Quick and simple linux network using crossover cable using only two machines
 

Why? Two older notebooks, one without a usb and the other with a
very slow usb 1.1 Want to move files back and forth. Also maybe desktop without internet connection could hold files too (a "server"
maybe later). I have a working crossover cable that can ping. I did
Ifconfig to set temporary static addresses to machine a: and machine b:
and was able to ping back and forth on two separate occasions. However
this was as far as I ever got. I probably must set up sharing and folders etc to be able to possibly ftp or be able to see with a browser. Is it possible to just simply set up with examples a group
of numbers for machine a: and b: including subnets etc, what folders
etc so I can move back and forth "quickly and easily"?
(In the old days of a previous decade I could use Laplink in a dos
or windows environment and quickly move around, with a parallel cable.)
Thanks.

Personally, I would just make sure sshd is running on both machines and scp across. No need to go through the hassle of setting up an FTP server or shared folders IMO.

Thanks for a quick response. I will make sure both programs are installed (sshd and scp)
and try again tonight. Thanks.