CONNECTING TWO PCS

Hi, I want to connect two PCs where one is operating under WIN7-64 and the other is under WIN8 -64. I want to maintain total functionalitiy on both machines. However, the main use of the WIN7 PC will be as an extended storage device for the WIN8 PC. What is currently the best way to accompl;ish this. For example, should I network them with both connected to my router separately or connect one PC (which one) to my router and then connect the other PC to it using a cross-over cable, or how else. All suggestions are welcome.
Thank you, Clarke

CLARKESRAsked: 2012-12-20

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Lionel MMSmall Business IT ConsultantCommented: 2012-12-21

The best thing to do is connect to a router or switch. Most ISP routers have multiple ports for you to connect to. Both your systems should be setup with the same workgroup settings (same workgroup name); see this link http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Join-or-create-a-workgroup. Windows 7 and 8 make this easy to do. Here is a more detailed tutorial http://www.7tutorials.com/how-change-workgroup-windows-7. Then as indicated above it a snap to setup shares and share resources between the systems.

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Gary DewrellSenior Network AdministratorCommented: 2012-12-20

Better solution is to buy a nas :)
But that is not what you asked for. I would connect both PCs to the router on same network. Map persistant drives on the Win8 PC to the Win7 PC.

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Scott CSenior Systems EnginerCommented: 2012-12-20

Yes. ^

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rbudjCommented: 2012-12-21

I concur with hooking both computers to the network. Then I would either install a secondary drive and mirror the two drives or install an external drive to schedule regular backups. This way both computers get backed up