Is it possible to transfer data between two computers using a wire?
 

I asked my friend whether it would be possible to transfer data between two computers using something like a LAN cable, but he said that it was almost impossible.

I can't agree, there must be some way of transferring data between computers that are right next to each other (without putting all the data on an USB flash drive, inserting it into the other computer and then copying the files, which is way too much hassle).

I'm open for any suggestions, would USB cables work (don't even know whether something like that exists)? I tried using a cable which fits into the Ethernet slot of both computers but nothing happened.

If we are on about two linux machines, one one of them just tell SSHD to listen on the ipaddress that it's using to communicate with the other machine and use SCP on the other machine. This is just one of many many methods that will do this. Your friend doesn't really inspire confidence if he doesn't think two directly connected machines can't transfer data.

there are several options.
If you have a router, connect them both to the router.
or use a crossover cable between the 2 computers.
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/h...ecttwocomp.htm

There are many methods.
Using a parallel port cable, serial port cable, ethernet cable and even with a special USB cable.

Depending on the age of the computer / ethernet adapters you need to use a crossover ethernet cable to directly connect to computers together.

I still have a Serial and parallel (printer port) data transfer cable in my kit, that was used for data transfer back in the old DOS days.. Ahh memories.. :)

Looks like the company http://www.laplink.com/ that Used to write the old software is still alive and kicking.. still supporting serial, parallel, USB, etc,, data transfer.

A network crossover cable is still going to be the fastest method.. Serial transfers are Slooooowwwwww, and file sizes are a LOT bigger now than they were back in the DOS days.

If there is a (good) cable between two computers (and both computers work), then you CAN transfer data between them. Now, please slap your friend across the face.

If you're not concerned about data security, i.e. you're transferring non-sensitive data, I usually use this method for across a network:
http://www.catonmat.net/blog/unix-utilities-netcat/