I need to transfer many files (about 3GB) from a laptop to another computer. How can this be done? I've heard about connecting them up via the USB port, would this be a wise solution? What kind of cable and/or software do I need? Any help greatly appreciated.

For 3GB it may take awhile, Its called DCC (Direct Cable Connection) watch for your OS when reading instructions on the below sites. http://www.kime.net/directcc/index.html http://www.lpt.com/default.htm

Pretty much depends on your budget. You can also buy a Laplink cable & software, or a USB external case with a HDD, or a USB device with RAM that works as an external "floppy" (I hear it goes up to 2Gb).

Thank you very much. You said that it might take awhile... how much exactly? Can it be done in a day?

From http://www.lpt.com/Questions/DirectParallelFAQ/directparallelfaq.htm "The DirectParallelŽ Basic Cable is an economical slower version of the Universal Fast Cable. The maximum burst transfer data rate for this cable range between 50 Kbytes/sec. to about 100 Kbytes per second. So, connections between computers using the DirectParallelŽ Universal cable can be up to 10 times faster than the Basic Cable and only the Universal cable optimizes the connection to take advantage of high speed EPP and ECP parallel ports. Of course, data transfer rates are dependent upon PC type, CPU speed, parallel port type, data compressibility, Windows 95/98/ME/2000, and other protocol overhead. Windows 95/98/ME/2000 typically uses data compression when using Direct Cable Connect - therefore highly compressible files will transfer the fastest. " So if I can use my calculator & thoughts right, at a medium consistent rate, that would be close to 250MB per Hour using Parallel Ports on the "cheaper cable" I have heard that Norton Ghost 2002 can be configured for USB transfer to speed things up, or possibly the new edition of Windows Commander 5.0? Or Find someone that has a USB Harddrive. Good Luck

If your computers have network cards, get some crossover cable (for pc to pc connection with no hub in between) and network them. If not, network cards for modems start at $30 or $40, and for PC's can be bought for $10 crossover cable is about $10.00 also. Post back if you need networking help...Probably in the networking forum. You could also do it with an iomega jaz or zip drive. Good luck J

If it were me I would go with Jared's suggestion. Once the computers are networked you always have it. Yes a slight investment in the beginging, but so are those others. I looked at a laplink program that was almost $200. I can transfer any size file in a matter of minutes. I transfered my office 2000 folder from one pc to the other in about 15 minutes (650mbs). So at this rate it would not take you long. Terris WebSpace!