Nah. Use Windows' built in Direct Cable Connection. The only problem is you had better hope the .cab's are on the hard drive otherwise you will not be able to install it - but that is the same limitation we have with anything we do from this point, yes?
Go to Control Panel / Add-Remove Programs / Windows Setup (tab) / Communications and check Direct Cable connection. If you do not already have the Dial Up Adapter installed it will tell you it needs it - let it install it. Reboot if you need to.
Now, the configuration of Direct Cable Connection gives some people fits. It's actually very simple - you simply set up the network as if the systems will connect to each other via TCP / IP.
So, in Control Panel / Network make sure you have the Client for Microsoft Networks, the Dial Up Adapter, TCP / IP and File and Printer Sharing installed. Make sure TCP / IP and File and Printer Sharing are bound to the client and Dial Up Adapter. Select 'Windows Logon' as Primary Network Logon to avoid the hassle of the computer asking you for a password every time you boot. In the Advanced tab of TCP / IP Properties make sure the 'Set this protocol to be the default protocol' is checked.
In the Client for Microsoft Network Properties check Quick Logon. In the Identification tab make sure both computers have the same Workgroup name entered (exactly), but you must give them different Computer Names.
Once the network is configured properly you have to right click on drives, printers or directories in My Computer, select Sharing, and activate sharing on the computer you want to give imformation from (the other computer will take information). The link is one way - one acts as server, the other the guest. If you need to reverse the link you have to stop the program (if running) and restart it in the correct configuration.
The last part of the puzzle is the Laplink style cable. I highly recommend a parallel cable - serial links are much, much slower.
Make sure any parallel port programs and items are turned off or disconnected (like a ZIP, for instance), plug in the cable, and on the server start Direct Cable Connection (it's in Accessories / Communications). The first time it will sense and install your ports - select the printer port. Select Host operation and start it.
On the guest do the same as above, but of course select Guest operation, printer port connection.
If you did everything right the guest (laptop, say) will have access to the server (desktop?).
Total cost: about $20 or less for the cable. Shop around. Fancy not needed.
Oh, one more thing. This setup is not secure for internet surfing. This is the same as a TCP / IP network set up the Microsoft way - and it is not secure. To make it secure in the Bindings tab of TCP / IP uncheck all boxes and answer 'no' to 'do you want to select now?'. The next time you want to use the Cable Connection rebind the clients, and when you are finished unbind them again. Your mileage may vary...
