How do I share large files?

How to share files between 2 computers with just a LAN/Ethernet cable (Not workgroup sharing)?

• Hi i need help sharing files between my laptop and my desktop computer. I know how to create a workgroup and share the files through router, but i don't want that, is there a faster way like just plugging the ethernet/lan cable to both computers and share files that way? So that it doesn't go through the router? Is there a program or method to do this? For workgroup sharing, the fastest speed i get is 7mb/sec, i want it to be faster, like 20mb/sec or more, and i want an easier way like the one i just mentioned, if that's possible. And about the workgroup sharing, how do you put up a password so that the other computer has to use it to gain access?

• Answer:

  To connect to computer you need to use a special cable called a "Crossover" cable, they are rather expensive. once connected you also have to staticaly configure IP's for each computer. It can be a pretty annoying task actually. If you have both computers hooked up on your router locally and use msn on both to transfer files it will be 10 times faster then transfering to someone else (you'll be quite suprized)