Fastest way to transfer files? - Hardware & Software

What is the fastest way to transfer files from one pc to another. The computers in this case are physically 3 feet (1 meter) away from each other, So I'm assuming a cable of some description will be much faster than than what I've done in the past (Run Usb's/External Hard Drive's back and forth).. is it possible to transfer files over LAN cable's without buying any special extra thing? Would File Sharing be the way to do it? (I've never done it, and am unsure of what kind of speeds I'd get, or how it transfers when file sharing, I expect transferring up to 100gb over my wifi network would be slow and painful. [B]tl;dr Fastest way to transfer files between computers within a meter of each other[/B] [editline]07:54PM[/editline] Wait, just read this thread, which sort of answers my questions about Ethernet sharing [url]http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=969336[/url] Though, just to be sure. is that the fastest method of transfer?

Fastest way is either via gigabit network or taking the drive out and transplanting it into the other machine. I'd imagine the networking option was more practical.

[QUOTE=Mokkan13;23325792]What is the fastest way to transfer files from one pc to another. The computers in this case are physically 3 feet (1 meter) away from each other, So I'm assuming a cable of some description will be much faster than than what I've done in the past (Run Usb's/External Hard Drive's back and forth).. is it possible to transfer files over LAN cable's without buying any special extra thing? Would File Sharing be the way to do it? (I've never done it, and am unsure of what kind of speeds I'd get, or how it transfers when file sharing, I expect transferring up to 100gb over my wifi network would be slow and painful. [B]tl;dr Fastest way to transfer files between computers within a meter of each other[/B] [editline]07:54PM[/editline] Wait, just read this thread, which sort of answers my questions about Ethernet sharing [URL]http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=969336[/URL] Though, just to be sure. is that the fastest method of transfer?[/QUOTE] I made same thread kinda need to install Windows to friends PC today, don't really want to take up 50 CD's to backup stuff.

[QUOTE=liquid_phase;23326274]Fastest way is either via[B] gigabit network[/B] or taking the drive out and transplanting it into the other machine. I'd imagine the networking option was more practical.[/QUOTE] Gigabit being LAN cables yeah? And is the 'networking option' the LAN cables? Also, Do we connect cables directly from pc to pc, or do they need to go through a router, as we do for LAN gaming.

[QUOTE=Mokkan13;23327007]Gigabit being LAN cables yeah? And is the 'networking option' the LAN cables? Also, Do we connect cables directly from pc to pc, or do they need to go through a router, as we do for LAN gaming.[/QUOTE] Assuming one of the nics is rated for gigabit you can simply connect the two machines together like that. If they're not you will need a crossover cable (easy to make if you've got the tools) or a router, to connect the two.

So, Do all computers come with A Network Interface Controller?, Do both computers need it? I'd never heard of one until now. And yeah I can make a crossover cable with ease (I have rolls of Cat5e and a crimper for my job) if I need to.

nic = network card = onboard rj45 socket and yeah, I'd imagine every motherboard built after 2002 has an onboard nic.

Alright, so basic walkthrough I need a LAN cable (both computers are fairly modern, less than 2 years old, So do I need crossover or not?) Then I plug the LAN cable from one computer into another, and it will let me browse both computers and transfer files I want? Is that correct?

[QUOTE=Mokkan13;23327703]Alright, so basic walkthrough I need a LAN cable (both computers are fairly modern, less than 2 years old, So do I need crossover or not?) Then I plug the LAN cable from one computer into another, and it will let me browse both computers and transfer files I want? Is that correct?[/QUOTE] If you posted the model/manufacturer/name of each nic we could check for you (you can find this in device manager > network adaptors) or post the model of the motherboard that would work too, but I'm going to assume at 2 years old it would be gigabit. Connect them both up with standard Cat 5/5e/6 and set the IP address manually on both so they're on the same subnet, then share out the drive you want to share (share it with the 'everyone' acl if possible) and then on the other machine map the network drive to that share (there is an option in 'My Computer', in Vista you might need to press Alt to see the menu bar) and make sure you use the 'connect using a different account' option (words to that effect). If given a prompt (I can't remember Vista of XP difference off the top of my head) give the username in this way: IPADDRESSOFTARGETMACHINE\USERNAME, e.g. 192.168.1.2\admin, this way the computer knows to authenticate with an account on the other machine and not use your machines account. Usually helps if the account has a password (might be fine on XP, usually causes issues on 2003/2008). Don't use the "Run..." method I've seen posted elsewhere on here as it's prone to failure. If you want specifics either hit up google for each bit, or post away (google is probably faster and you'll likely learn more that way). And yeah this was written off the top of my head, so if there are little differences don't shoot me!

Thanks, I'll keep this thread bookmarked for when I need it, but it seems fairly straight forward. Rated Informative. Both machines are on Vista. Though, why do you need to put in all that subnet stuff, when it's a direct connection from one computer to another? (I'm of little knowledge in this area, forgive me if this is blatantly stupid) I was thinking it would basically make both computers act in the same way as external hard drives, plug it in, browse for files and transfer away. [editline]01:38AM[/editline] I dont see the need if it's for security, for the same reason you don't have WEP type keys for wired internet connections..

[QUOTE=Mokkan13;23330963]Though, why do you need to put in all that subnet stuff, when it's a direct connection from one computer to another? (I'm of little knowledge in this area, forgive me if this is blatantly stupid) I was thinking it would basically make both computers act in the same way as external hard drives, plug it in, browse for files and transfer away.[/QUOTE] I wish it was that simple, but basically you're creating a small network between your machines and in order to have them communicate with each other (without using any other networking hardware) they need to be on the same subnet. And no not a stupid question, people only learn if they ask questions. Good luck!

Fastest way is over a gigabit network using a crossover cable. 1Gb/s > USB 2.0 Or in a few years from now, it'll be the 100Gbit network. Cat7a cables will fuck up your billfold though.

[QUOTE=Richard Simmons;23331093]Fastest way is over a gigabit network using a crossover cable. 1Gb/s > USB 2.0 Or in a few years from now, it'll be the 100Gbit network. Cat7a cables will fuck up your billfold though.[/QUOTE] Did you read the thread? You don't need crossover for a gigabit connection.

[QUOTE=liquid_phase;23327600]nic = network [b]interface[/b] card = onboard rj45 socket[/QUOTE] Just for general info. -snipped last part, apparently I can't read either-