2 CPUs - Piggyback? 1

[joeyQ]

I recently needed to purchase a new monitor for my desktop HP and wound up purchasing an entire new system instead.

I've asked a few people at CompUSA about being able to use Both machines together but it didn't seem to make sense to them, so I hope I am making sesne here

I'd liek to be able to somehow piggyback my old HD connected to my new one. This way, I don't have to load a whole lot of programs and files on to the new one, and I would still be able to choose to save certain files (like music) to the old one. Mainly, I suppose it would be used for storage. The other reason is I like my TDK burner and would like to be able to use it without having to remove my new CD burner and replace it with the TDK - thus giving me two available burners.

The only option I was given was a switcher that would enable me to use 2 computers with one monitor, mouse, etc., but the computers would not be linked. Is there a simple way to do this - sort of like plugging a scanner into a printer and then the printer into the computer?

 

[edfair]

If the monitor is broken, you'll need a new one or a KVM switch to be able to view both.
You are asking to network the machines together. But you'll have to reload unique programs to the new computer to use the data from the old computer.
There are simple ways and there are better ways. Problably best is network cards in both, cat5 crossover patch cord.
I have a setup using 4 computers. The programs that each computer uses are loaded on each. But I can share data. And since the 4 go from DOS to ME I use lantastic as the network software. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[joeyQ]

Thank you for the information.

 

[cdogg]

Sounds like you have two concerns:

1) Sharing the monitor between 2 pc's
2) Sharing Apps/Programs and the hard drives themselves


For sharing the monitor, the switch box suggestion is right on the money. With a simple flip of a switch, you can switch from one pc to the other.

You're other question dealt with "piggybacking" one hard drive to the other. If you want to keep both systems intact, then networking is the only way. Like Ed mentioned, you can get a couple Ethernet cards and a crossover CAT5 cable. Just keep in mind that all your favorite APPS will have to be installed on each pc if you want to run them on both.