How to Connect a Laptop to My Computer
When you have a laptop computer, it is often useful to connect it to your home computer. When connected, you can share folders and files, transfer information and even share other items, like a printer. When you connect two computers, you are creating a network, but most operating systems make creating a simple network as easy as plugging a few wires into a common device.
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Things You'll Need
- Hub or router
- Two Ethernet cables with RJ-45 jacks on the ends
- Open Ethernet ports on the laptop and the PC
Instructions
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Set up your hub or router in a central location within close proximity to the home computer and where you will operate the laptop computer. Plug the hub or router in and turn it on.
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2
Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into an open port on the personal computer.
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Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into any port on the hub or router.
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Plug one end of the second Ethernet cable into an open port on the laptop computer.
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Plug the other end of the second Ethernet cable into any other open port on the hub or router.
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Share the files, folders, or devices you wish to share and the laptop should be able to use them (as long as the operating system supports networking).
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Tips & Warnings
If using a router instead of a hub, do not use the port labeled "Internet" or "Uplink." You can also use a wireless hub or router if your laptop has a wireless antenna, but connection speeds will be slower. If you have access to a null modem cable, you can plug that directly from one computer to the other and avoid using a hub.
