Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Windows 7 and Windows Vista
• Method 2 of 2: Macintosh (Mac) OS X
• Necessities

If you are not connected to a network, but you still want to send files or connect to another PC, use a crossover Ethernet cable. After making this link, you have to change the network settings of one of the computers for the connection to work. Then you have the option to share files and play games over this "network". Read on to learn more about how to connect two computers using an Ethernet cable in Windows 7, Windows Vista, or on the Mac (English version of OS).

To step

Method 1 of 2: Windows 7 and Windows Vista

1. Check if you have a crossover ethernet cable. A crossover Ethernet cable is required to connect two computers without a network; with a standard ethernet cable this is not possible without a computer and a router.
   • Examine the color pattern on the end of the Ethernet cable to determine if the colors match. With a crossover Ethernet cable, the colors at both ends do not match, while this is the case with a regular Ethernet cable.
   • When in doubt, you can use the website of "Tekron International" (see the source reference at the bottom of this article) to make sure you have a crossover Ethernet cable.
2. Connect the computers by connecting the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet network port of each PC.
3. Start up one of the computers and go to the "Start" menu at the bottom left of the Windows screen.
4. Select "Control Panel," and type "network" in the search field of the control panel.
5. Select "Network and Sharing Center" from the options in the window.
6. Select the icon with the "Unidentified network" label, from the network folder at the top of the "Network and Sharing Center" window. This icon can also be labeled "Multiple networks" if you are connected to more than one network.
7. Click on the message that indicates to change the network discovery and file sharing settings, and then click on the option "Turn on network discovery and file sharing."’
8. Type the administrator password for this computer when prompted, then press "Enter" on your keyboard. Both computers are now visible in the "Network and Sharing Center" window, and it is now possible to share files.

Method 2 of 2: Macintosh (Mac) OS X

1. Plug each end of a standard Ethernet cable into the Ethernet ports on both computers. If one of the Macs does not have an Ethernet port, it is also possible to use a USB to Ethernet adapter.
2. Go to one of the computers, then open the "Apple" menu.
3. Select "System Preferences" from the available options and select "Sharing.’
4. Note the name of the computer in the "Sharing" menu.
5. Go to the other computer and navigate to "Finder.The "Finder" is a square icon that you will see in your Mac's dock and looks like two faces.
6. Select "Go," then click "Connect to Server" in Finder.
7. Click the button labeled "Browse," then double-click the name of the other Mac you should find in the window.
8. Enter the administrator password of the other computer, if prompted. A connection is then established between both computers, and you have the option to send and share files.

Necessities

• Crossover Ethernet cable (Windows only)
• Standard Ethernet cable (Macs only)