Any Computer Guys Here?

M

MikeyDude

Done
Location
Texas
Is there anyone here that is a computer guru? I'm on a learning curve right now trying to configure a new system and I have little experience with networking multiple computers together. The system has 2 machines and a single monitor, mouse and KB. I'm pretty sure I have a handle on making those work. My main focus right now is to learn how to link the two machines together so they can share files with each other.

I'm not sure if Remote Desktop is what I need or if there's a better way since both machines are right next to each other. Maybe some cabling?

Lemme know if any of you knowledgeable folks have some time that we could use answering my questions.

Thank you!
 

Are both computers running Windows 10 or 11? Are you using the same monitor for both computers? If so, you would need a switch. Better to get a second monitor, mouse and keyboard.
If they are connected to the same network turn on network discovery and file sharing. Once enabled open file explorer and click network from the menu. You can share folders on each and then copy and move files between the two computers.
When computers are on the same network there is no need to use remote desktop, that is less secure. You would use remote desktop to connect to a machine at another location, a "remote computer"
 
Last edited:
MikeyDude said:
Is there anyone here that is a computer guru? I'm on a learning curve right now trying to configure a new system and I have little experience with networking multiple computers together. The system has 2 machines and a single monitor, mouse and KB. I'm pretty sure I have a handle on making those work. My main focus right now is to learn how to link the two machines together so they can share files with each other.

I'm not sure if Remote Desktop is what I need or if there's a better way since both machines are right next to each other. Maybe some cabling?

Lemme know if any of you knowledgeable folks have some time that we could use answering my questions.

Thank you!
Click to expand...
Try this video!

 
s76l42 said:
Are both computers running Windows 10 or 11? Are you using the same monitor for both computers? If so, you would need a switch. Better to get a second monitor, mouse and keyboard.
If they are connected to the same network turn on network discovery and file sharing. Once enabled open file explorer and click network from the menu. You can share folders on each and then copy and move files between the two computers.
When computers are on the same network there is no need to use remote desktop, that is less secure. You would use remote desktop to connect to a machine at another location, a "remote computer"
Click to expand...

Sorry I wasn't more specific. I wasn't sure if there was anyone that could help. Let me explain what I'm doing.

I have some expensive software on an older Vista machine that works flawlessly with the exception of the internet. I do graphics and web design, so I have Photoshop, and a couple other editing programs. They are paid and owned versions, not subscriptions. But they don't work on newer versions of Windows. Same same for some audio recording software I have. Expensive stuff, but won't work on newer versions of Windows. I also have an older version of Office that's paid for - not subscription. Doesn't work on newer versions.

So I have gotten a new computer with Windows 10 Pro on it. What I need to do is connect the 2 computers together so I can access them both from the same monitor using the same mouse/KB. I want to use the new computer for everyday internet and business stuff, and use the older one for my graphics, music etc. But I need to be able to get the files from one computer to the other and back without issue. I also need to be able to use both computers for their intertions.

Both computers are full size desktop towers - not laptops. And there is no issue with having them wired together. I do have a router. It has several ethernet plugs in the back, if that matters. The old computer is wired to it using ethernet. The new computer has not been hooked up at all yet - still in the box.

The KB/Mouse are wireless and both computers have USB ports on the front so I can just move the bugs from one to the other when I switch. The monitor has 2 input sources that are isolated. I can hook up both computers to the same monitor using a different input source and switch between sources on the monitor itself. I looked into a KVM but most are HDMI - My monitor is not.

I know nothing about setting up a network like this except what little I've read. I know it can be done, but I need to start from scratch. Gotta find out what hardware I need, what software, if any, and what gozinta what.

Hope that explains it all.

Thanks for your replies.
Phantom Quilter said:
There are a few ways to share files using WiFi or Bluetooth. This is quite a good site with steps to take for different set ups.

How to Connect Two Computers or Laptops Wirelessly
Click to expand...

I went there and it looks like it just lets me send files, and not access the complete computer. I'm pretty green, so not sure if I missed something.
 
MikeyDude said:
Sorry I wasn't more specific. I wasn't sure if there was anyone that could help. Let me explain what I'm doing.

I have some expensive software on an older Vista machine that works flawlessly with the exception of the internet. I do graphics and web design, so I have Photoshop, and a couple other editing programs. They are paid and owned versions, not subscriptions. But they don't work on newer versions of Windows. Same same for some audio recording software I have. Expensive stuff, but won't work on newer versions of Windows. I also have an older version of Office that's paid for - not subscription. Doesn't work on newer versions.

So I have gotten a new computer with Windows 10 Pro on it. What I need to do is connect the 2 computers together so I can access them both from the same monitor using the same mouse/KB. I want to use the new computer for everyday internet and business stuff, and use the older one for my graphics, music etc. But I need to be able to get the files from one computer to the other and back without issue. I also need to be able to use both computers for their intertions.

Both computers are full size desktop towers - not laptops. And there is no issue with having them wired together. I do have a router. It has several ethernet plugs in the back, if that matters. The old computer is wired to it using ethernet. The new computer has not been hooked up at all yet - still in the box.

The KB/Mouse are wireless and both computers have USB ports on the front so I can just move the bugs from one to the other when I switch. The monitor has 2 input sources that are isolated. I can hook up both computers to the same monitor using a different input source and switch between sources on the monitor itself. I looked into a KVM but most are HDMI - My monitor is not.

I know nothing about setting up a network like this except what little I've read. I know it can be done, but I need to start from scratch. Gotta find out what hardware I need, what software, if any, and what gozinta what.

Hope that explains it all.

Thanks for your replies.


I went there and it looks like it just lets me send files, and not access the complete computer. I'm pretty green, so not sure if I missed something.
Click to expand...
So you don't want to share files or network the computers you just want to use the same monitor, mouse and keyboard for both? If so what type of ports does the monitor have? If it is VGA you can get a switch like this. https://www.amazon.com/Selector-Swi...5&keywords=vga+kvm&qid=1694210010&sr=8-4&th=1
With Windows Vista being so old and unsupported you may have trouble with newer hardware. Order something like I posted which has free returns if it does not work out.
 
s76l42 said:
So you don't want to share files or network the computers you just want to use the same monitor, mouse and keyboard for both? If so what type of ports does the monitor have? If it is VGA you can get a switch like this. https://www.amazon.com/Selector-Switcher-Sharing-Monitor-Keyboard/dp/B077QC7GNV/ref=sr_1_4?adgrpid=1337006703285062&hvadid=83563241708181&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=98581&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83563262885215:loc-190&hydadcr=8777_13572955&keywords=vga+kvm&qid=1694210010&sr=8-4&th=1
With Windows Vista being so old and unsupported you may have trouble with newer hardware. Order something like I posted which has free returns if it does not work out.
Click to expand...

No sir, that is incorrect. I already know how to share the monitor and mouse/KB. I need have access to both computers, to create and share files with each other...

Example:

I create a masterpiece of art in Photoshop on the Vista machine. I want to post it on the internet for the world to admire, but the Vista machine is not connected to the internet. The Win10 machine is. So I need to get the file from Vista over to 10 and use 10 to share it with the world.

Then, I have a client. He sends me a picture via Dropbox that he wants edited. Since 10 is connected to the internet and Vista is not, the picture ends up on 10. But I can only edit it in Vista. So I have to get the picture over to Vista, edit it, get it back to 10 and Dropbox it back to the client.

Hope that made sense... lol.
 
If you don't want to fiddle with trying to network the two machines over wifi or an ethernet switch, then the simplest solution might be what we used to call "sneaker-net". Just get a hefty flash drive and copy things to it on one machine - then move the flash drive to the other machine and copy it off.
 
Dr. Jekyll said:
If you don't want to fiddle with trying to network the two machines over wifi or an ethernet switch, then the simplest solution might be what we used to call "sneaker-net". Just get a hefty flash drive and copy things to it on one machine - then move the flash drive to the other machine and copy it off.
Click to expand...

That would be a worst case scenario. LOL. I found an article that mentioned just running another ethernet cable to the router and there's a way to get the 2 comps to ID each other. I'm chasing that at the moment... but I'm still not getting a good answer yet.
 
MikeyDude said:
That would be a worst case scenario. LOL. I found an article that mentioned just running another ethernet cable to the router and there's a way to get the 2 comps to ID each other. I'm chasing that at the moment... but I'm still not getting a good answer yet.
Click to expand...
Actually, using a flash drive to copy files to another computer is an easy way to do it, and I was going to suggest that as well. I do it all the time between my PC and laptop. Why is it a worst case scenario?
 
If both computers are set to automatically get an internal "ip" address then when both are connected, go to Run, cmd, ipconfig. Then record the addresses, especially the older computer.

Then use one of the vnc softwares, remote desktop might work.
 
Dr. Jekyll said:
If you don't want to fiddle with trying to network the two machines over wifi or an ethernet switch, then the simplest solution might be what we used to call "sneaker-net". Just get a hefty flash drive and copy things to it on one machine - then move the flash drive to the other machine and copy it off.
Click to expand...
I do that all the time between my 3 desktops and 3 laptops. Years ago I used to network all my machines, set up shared directories and such. Thing is, in order to share over the network the file shares are [of course] only accessible if the involved computers are running. If I have to go turn on a machine to file share, I might as well take the files over to it on a flash drive. ;)
 
MikeyDude said:
No sir, that is incorrect. I already know how to share the monitor and mouse/KB. I need have access to both computers, to create and share files with each other...

Example:

I create a masterpiece of art in Photoshop on the Vista machine. I want to post it on the internet for the world to admire, but the Vista machine is not connected to the internet. The Win10 machine is. So I need to get the file from Vista over to 10 and use 10 to share it with the world.

Then, I have a client. He sends me a picture via Dropbox that he wants edited. Since 10 is connected to the internet and Vista is not, the picture ends up on 10. But I can only edit it in Vista. So I have to get the picture over to Vista, edit it, get it back to 10 and Dropbox it back to the client.

Hope that made sense... lol.
Click to expand...
Then you can do what I suggested in my first post, if both computers are currently connected to the same network.
 
s76l42 said:
Then you can do what I suggested in my first post, if both computers are currently connected to the same network.
Click to expand...
10 isn't connected to anything. It's still in the box. That's part of my question... how to connect them. Can I just hook both up to the router using ethernet cables? Is that better than that weird looking USB cable? Or is there some other magic I have to do to create this network that doesn't exist yet? :D
 
Lawrence00 said:
10 will plug into router. Router will give it an ip address.
Click to expand...

Okay... thank you. I have do idea what to do with it. LOL!

Update: I've hooked up the W10 box. Everything is running well. Transferring the KB/Mouse bugs works well as does changing input source for the monitor.

I connected to the router to get internet because I needed to for some set-up BS windows wanted, so that side of things is up and running. Now all I have to do is connect the 2 comps together.
 
See above instructions on finding ip address, will look something like 192.168.1.50, is also called ipv4 address. A vnc solution will need that, is like needing a phone number. If you have windows pro versions you could alternatively use remote desktop, but there could be weird tech issues since one computer has older windows version.

VNC and similarly softwares don't care about windows versions. Be sure to use local passwords and an up to date software, older versions have known security holes.
 
Would a cloud base solution work for you?

If I understand your question, you want to be able to execute the expensive software from both older and new computers. I believe that the new OS basically demands that you purchase or lease the software. Gone are the days when you "own" the software - they now want you to pay a monthly fee to access it.
 
Gardenlover said:
Would a cloud base solution work for you?

If I understand your question, you want to be able to execute the expensive software from both older and new computers. I believe that the new OS basically demands that you purchase or lease the software. Gone are the days when you "own" the software - they now want you to pay a monthly fee to access it.
Click to expand...
No that wouldn't help... Thanks tho.

One computer has internet, the other doesn't. I need one computer (Vista) to execute my expensive software, and the other computer (10) to distribute the results via email, DropBox, or direct website placement, etc... So I need to create the work on one computer and get it to the other computer to disperse it.
 
You should easily be able to share files via the cloud. However, running the executables to open the files is a different story, unless you can make them a common file type such as a PDF file.
 
I
Gardenlover said:
You should easily be able to share files via the cloud. However, running the executables to open the files is a different story, unless you can make them a common file type such as a PDF file.
Click to expand...
I would have to have access to the internet on both computers. No bueno.
 
MikeyDude said:
10 isn't connected to anything. It's still in the box. That's part of my question... how to connect them. Can I just hook both up to the router using ethernet cables? Is that better than that weird looking USB cable? Or is there some other magic I have to do to create this network that doesn't exist yet? :D
Click to expand...
Yes, once both are connected to your home network, then you setup file/print sharing. Keep in mind that you will not be able to open the files from your older programs on the new computer unless you have the program installed to open them.
 
s76l42 said:
Yes, once both are connected to your home network, then you setup file/print sharing. Keep in mind that you will not be able to open the files from your older programs on the new computer unless you have the program installed to open them.
Click to expand...

Herein lies the problem...

What's a home network and how do I get connected to it? :)
 
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