I went there today....a round trip of 50 miles or so to get a cable. I thought it was a simple request but now Im doubting my own sanity!! So please will someone computer savvy please tell me if what I want is possible???
I have old (slow and clogged) pc and new (fast and shiny) pc. My monitor for my work cost several grand so I have no intentions of buying a second one!!! So......Im slowly putting data from old to new pc via a memory stick. HOWEVER I would really like to be able to access images that are currently on old pc, via some kind of cable connecting the 2 together? ie if Im using PS on my new one and need to open an image file thats currently on my old one....I want to be able to access it as if it were an external hardrive....not...as PCW suggested by unplugging all wires from new pc, plugging them into old pc, downloading onto mem stick, then revers e wires again to access new pc. in this computer age that is madness and I cant believe its the only way! Anyone? please?

Assuming both PCs have Ethernet ports, you need a cross-over cable. Loads of websites explaining how to do it, but that's what you need to buy. (Not a patch cable - that's for connecting a pc to a hub).

Laplink ?  You would be able to access data from both PC's with remote access, also download data from one to the other

And no.. I have no idea how to do it lol.. someone set it up for me

Alternatively, if you don't actually want to use the old pc anymore, you just want to access the data without switching it on, you could buy an external hard drive caddy. Take the the hard drive out of your old pc, fit it in the caddy, then connect to your new pc via usb cable.

i can feel my eyes glazing over already!!!! not sure what any of above actually means but its given me a starting point thanks :)

this is where little independant computer shops are soooo lovely. take whole lot in and get them to do it!!!

well I do have my pc guru but he s so far away (100 mile trip) so I only get to see him when I do a run to the vets who are in the same area!

kayenine, is this the right thing?? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cross-over-Ethernet-Network-Cable-CAT5e/dp/B00007FV5M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273964582&sr=8-3

Yes that's the right cable. Both PCs will need to be switched on but they'll be able to 'see' each other.

You might find a KVM switch useful as well or instead of. (Stands for keyboard, video, mouse.) Basically you can plug your mouse, keyboard and monitor into the KWM switch, along with both computers, and just switch between the 2 computers without needing to unplug anything.

Sam - Argos also sells a crossover cable .Item number 675/9582

Ailsa