I just bought a new desktop. I did not buy a new monitor, because I really like my 19" CRT (lots and lots of print work/color work), and I'm planning on lurking in the bushes for a Hott Deal on one of those 24" Dell Widescreen badboys.

So that leaves me with New Desktop (basically empty) and Old Desktop (full of work files and a six or seven scat vids). What I would like to do is make the work files on the old desktop accessible to the New Desktop, while still using just the single CRT as a monitor. As I move work files to the New Desktop, I may also decide to keep photos & some music on the Old Desktop. The New Desktop is a primary work (and internet) machine.

Both desktops are running XP Home, which I know isn't exactly dandy for networking. Is there some way I can make the Old Desktop a bigass external drive? I have ethernet jacks, but I'm not sure how to set this up.

Thanks, gang!

why not just share the folders that you need on the Old Desktop available on the network? Can we not do that in XP home?

This looks informative: http://ask.metafilter.com/mefi/17759

If I really wanted to dedicate the old pc as a fileserver, I'd install a really slim Linux distro and just set up a samba share. Like that means anything to you.

Will I need a new Qwyjibo?

Can I just run an ethernet cable to the new desktop and set up sharing through that?

are you sittin behind a router?...if so, doing that should be pretty easy...if not, get a router...or one of those USB hard drive enclosure thingees

This is possible, but I'm guessing you're better off using a hub, switch or router. Do you not have a wireless router at home? Is your cable modem just connected right to the PC?