Build a small network

In this situation, the wireless network card will bu useless, you can connect these two machines by using either two modems (if your PC has a modem) or using two wired network cards (in this case the laptop must be in the same physical area whre the PC lies).

In case of using two modems, you can make a new connection "Dial-up to private netork" in the source machine and include the phone number of the destination machine. And make a new connection "Accept incoming calls" in the destination machine. After dialing-up, the two machines now are connected to each other.

Helmy1313 is probably correct in that using the wireless network card would add a great deal more expense to your solution.

Possibly the simplest solution would be to buy a PCMCIA network card for your laptop (Windows XP could easily handle all the different hardware) and then buy/make a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors. Link the two PCs directly with this cable, setup networking and the job is done.

Hope that helps.

most laptops have irda ports. u can easily get the same attached to your pc. if u need wireless network, this would be simple and cost effective.

Before you buy anything, double check that the laptop doesn't already have a network port at the back.  If you have XP i'm guessing that it's a new machine.  Some of the new Compaq and Sony laptops have their ethernet sockets at the back under a small flap.  

As RJ Smith suggests you could then get a crossover cable to connect the two. If you want to add more computers in the future you could always get a small hub for under £40.

Hope this helps

Pete Latham
there are two ports at the back, one for modem and the other one is beside the modem port but i don't know for what ... ( i think it is for network). how to check inside windows xp that it is netowork port??