Actually, I've had to use floppy disks (the smaller ones) for years in order to be able to switch between John's computer and mine. We have not attempted to network the two because of compatibility and also because of distance between machines as well as house design, the cabling would be a nightmare.

So whenever I need something from his, I save it to a floppy and run it in here and load it on mine, and vice versa.

Nightowl >8#

Nope, can't use that with John's old computer, it predates those.

However, the Andrei, the newer one has a USB port, so maybe that will be an option in the future after he gets Andrei all configured for Linux. He's been working on it a couple days now... I feel like a Linux widow. Hehehe!

Nightowl >8#

John's old computer has been running 3.11. Hence his attempt to turn my old Celeron 400 into a Linux box to use. :)

Thanks for the info though.

Nightowl >8#

Edit: added type of computer

A modern Linux is going to be slow on a Celeron 400. And how does putting Linux on it solve the original problem (moving data between PCs)?

Edit: Well, the original problem wasn't moving data really, but having to share my computer so much. His old one wouldn't allow him to get online, only do basic email, and not even Yahoo email. If he can get his to let him read groups, do email and search the net, he won't need mine as much. :) Plus, if he can do better email on the Linux box, he could probably email me whatever file I needed from his to mine, right?

He realizes that it will be slow, but things will still be better than when he was using the Pentium 60. He is at least able to access the internet better on the Linux computer and not have to borrow mine all the time. ;)

Getting back to an earlier post: If you don't want to run Ethernet cable through your house, you can get a 802.11b "wireless bridge" to allow you to wirelessly network. There are similar boxes that work with the power lines in your home.

Hmm, I didn't know that option existed. But it isn't a really big deal, I only have to transfer data from his computer if I a) accidentally delete my copy of his mail or something, (which he saves on his), or b) need a REALLY old file from 3.11 So using the floppy isn't a big deal for the few times a year it's needed.

You can get a much more modern PC from ebay for as little as $50 - e.g. [link|http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2773003978&category=51121|here] - in various states (e.g. with/without hard drives). You might want to consider something like that.

His problem is, he wants a really GOOD computer, not just something to work better, but right now we can't afford a really good one because he built mine and is still paying for it. But someday soon, when we're more out of debt, he wants a really good modern machine, trust me.

Meanwhile, Andrei was sitting around doing nothing, and even the 400 Celeron is better than the Pentium 60, so he figured why not use it. :)

But honestly, if you don't have the money to spend and are happy with your sneakernet then don't worry about it. I'm just pointing out that there are relatively inexpensive technological solutions that are easy to implement that will let your PCs join the 1990s. :-)

Thanks and if we had the money, trust me, I'd make him get one, but we don't. Sometimes I feel guilty because I have the best computer in the house... but he says I use it more than he does, and he's right, plus he can borrow it when he wants on.

Thanks for the info though, we'll keep it in mind if it ever gets to a point where we really need to network. :)

Edit: I just talked to John, and he said he knows about wireless connections, but isn't real happy about them because they are not as secure as wire ones. Apparently people can hook in and use your connection or see what you are doing.

But like I said, we don't need to network often, so so far the disk option works whenever we do. :) He also said it isn't running slow for him at all, it's running fine... so hey, as long as he's happy! ;)

Nightowl >8#

Edit: changed title and added part about talking to John
Edit: added solving the original problem line