Hello,

I am newbie to linux.
I have installed Suse 10.1 and RHEL 4.0 on two different computers. Now I want to connect them throught cable. Do I need a hub/switch for that or I can directly connect them through cable and start file sharing.

plz let me know.

Thanks
Bye
Open By Source

You need either a hub/switch or a crossover cable. You can make a crossover cable if you have cable ends and a crimper.

Hello Reader,

Please specify what a crimper is.
What a crimper look like.

I have a cable with two ends.

Also I have onboard LAN on one computer which is configured.
and on another I have a Targus USB TO LAN {ADMTEK} Converter which is also configured.

Thanks

Crimper -- The tool used to secure the RJ-45 ends to a CAT-5/6 patch cable.

http://www.ertyu.org/~steven_nikkel/ethernetcables.html

The network cable will probably have some text printed on it. If this says something like "crossover cable", then you can use it. If it says "patch cable" then it's no good. You can either make your own crossover cable, as sigsegv suggested, or alternatively most good computer stores will sell them. Just be sure to specifically ask for crossover.

I'd love to see what a cable with one end looks like!

Seriously tho hold both ends of your cable with the contacts upermost and facing you. The pins are numbered from left to right. If the wire colours inside the plastic connector match one for one left to right then you have a straigh through cable. You need a crossover cable which is wired 1-3, 2-6, 3-1,6-2. You either need to amke one yourself or buy one. I would suggest that if you have to ask what a crimp tool looks like you should probably buy a cable as there are lots of ways to do it wrong.

Cheers

Hello,

I just looked at the text printed on my cable. It says that my cable is a patch cable. I can't create a crossover cable but I will now buy the same from the computer store.
Please let me know that after buying crossover cable would I be able to connect to two linux systems directly without the overhead of switch/hub.
Also "FIREWALL" on both linux systems is on. Will it effect the connectivity between the two linux systems.
Please clarify my small doubts.
Rest all fine

Thanks for answering.
Bye
Take Care
Be Open By Source

Once you've got a crossover cable, you'll be able to connect the two systems directly, no problem. The only thing to remember is you'll need to make sure both systems are set up with a static IP address, not DHCP.

As for the firewall, you'll need to open the ports corresponding to the particular services you want to use.