Building a new pc

You have a few options, and it really depends on why you want a new computer.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean when you say "control" each other -do you mean share hard drives so you can have more storage space, or do you mean literally control the laptop from another room using the other PC?  There are a number of programs (such as SyGate) which allow you to control another computer on a network.  If the laptop lacks a network card you can probably get one put in, but this may depend on the model (some are designed not to be expanded) and may not be worth the expense, given how cheap hard drives are these days (for the cost of the network card you could probably get an extra 10 gig or so on your new desktop's hard disk).

If you mean that you want to copy all your files and stuff across from the laptop to the new system then the best way is a network, or faililng that a cable connection as hewittg suggested.

If the laptop is not too old, and you just want the convenience of a "real" computer, you could get a docking station for the laptop.  Its a little shelf that the laptop slides into, and has a normal monitor, keyboard, mouse etc. coming off it, and can probably incorporate a network card, modem, or possibly a new graphics card (often the biggest failing in laptops).  

If you laptop is old, then it may well just be junk.  I know it seems a bit of a shame (in fact I have about six computers sitting in my bedroom which are so old as to be useless, but I just can't bear to throw them out!), but old technology (unless its REALLY old) is pretty much worthless.  Some retailers deal in second-hand stuff and may give you a trade-in if you buy a new PC.  Alternatively you could try to sell it and get a few dollars, or consider donating to your local school, scouts or whatever, who would probably appreciate it even if it is old.

At the very least you could make a six-year-old's day by presenting him with an old laptop and a baseball bat...

If you really mean control one from the other, try:

http://www.crossteccorp.com/netopremote/index.html

There's a free trial period.

Any luck?

Glenn

Hmm well thats a good solution but is it possible to access my files when the computer is off and my laptop is on?

With the use of network adapters made with this option, you can "wake on LAN" a computer that is waiting for such a signal.

>> thats a good solution

Which one - there are about eight here?!