I got a laptop, but I don't really have any use for it yet. So the idea was to use it as some sort of overly expensive external hard disk. I asked Pirate and he said I should get a "data cable," connect it, and Bob's your uncle, but I don't really trust him because he probably knows even less about computers than me. Another potential problem is that my computer is running on XP, whereas the laptop came with Vista. Was Pirate right? It sounds far too elementary for Microsoft! I'm sure the proper setup involves some roundabout method with make-or-break configurations, and if so, what would it be?

get a data kabel

You could get a data cable, or you could get a cross-over ethernet cable and connect your computers directly. That way you can set up synergy and use 1 mouse and keyboard for both screens.

That's it? What about network cards and the like?

Quote from: GreyClock;1268126That's it? What about network cards and the like?

get

a

data

kabel

A data cable would work. Vista is made to work with XP.