What is the best way to hook up two computers in a small office so that they can network and share files?

IF you are not connecting ot the Internet, a hub (and network cards for each machine) are quite inexpensive, and general pretty easy to come by, possibly even for free (see links). Then you would simply need cables to connect the two together and on each desktop you will need to run "network setup wizard" (start > programs > control panel > network setup wizard) if you are running Windows XP simply click on "classic view" to see the wizard in the control panel.

You will have to decide what your work-group will be called and a name for each computer.

Once you have configured each machine alike you will be able to see each other on your "Network". But it is quite straight forward.

However, if you are sharing an Internet connection, you will need a router (wired or wireless) as well as your network cards. setup the Internet connection with one of the PCs and follow all of the file sharing directions below.

Additionally, once you have "networked" to each other, you will need to go into Windows explorer and RIGHT CLICK on the directories you are wanting to share, (Sharing and Security > and select the sharing options of your preference.)

NOTE: if you are wanting to share printers as well you would install the printer on one machine, the go to the printer in the control panel and share it from there (proprieties)

buy a router either wired or wireless

use t-connector ..or if you have lan card then connect directoly with UTP or STP cable ..

If the computers are in close proxsimity, use CAT 5 cable and plug them into each other and run a network setup wizard in the control panel (assuming windows).

If they are very far apart your (monitarially) best alternitive (if you have high speed internets/tubes) is to get a wireless router and run both comps, networked, off one router. (A wireless router usually comes with software to help you accomplish this).

Do not connect the two computers with one wire if it is not a "cross over" cable.

You have basically two options, If they are close to each other, you can connect them together with one cable from eithernet to eithernet, it has to be a "cross over" cable. If you want to spend more money and they are farther apart, you will need a router or a switch and some standard cat5 cables, or you can go with a wireless router. no matter which way you decide to go, you will need to run network wizard on each computer and then set up your sharing files, folders, and printers. Good luck.

Hook a LAN cable to each one and configure your network.

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