At 12:53 PM 2/3/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>I have a Compaq 1700 and a Compaq 5600 of which both have ethernet
>connectors. they are about 50 ft apart. Can I connect them together and
>if so, how? What connections do I use? Gerald Dunn, Newport News, Va

Sure Gerald!  You need an Ethernet Crossover cable to connect to two
together without a hub.  Then you need to install software on each machine
so they can "talk" to each other.  You don't say what operating system you
are using, but in most cases the software is built in to the OS in the form
of a networking protocol.  If you just want to share files, I recommend
using the NetBUI protocol for your first try.  It is very simple to set
up.  If you want to share an internet connection, or play certain types of
games, you may need to install the TCP/IP protocol.

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
              Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along
         with our NOSPIN Power Linux CD...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml