[Rob]

Ideally connect using ethernet cables and a router (the LAN side of it). That way the router will allocate IP addresses. You'll need to ensure each computer is part of the same workgroup or domain.

If you don't have a router, you can use a switch, but you'll need to assign each computer it's own IP - say PC#1 =192.168.1.100 & PC#2=192.168.1.101, and make sure they are in the same workgroup.

Alternatively use a crossover, rather than standard ethernet, and you can connect the two computers without a switch but you have to do the IP and workgroup manual changing stuff.

If you have difficulties make sure the PC being copied from has printer and file sharing enabled, and you do share the folders you want to copy. You may also have to play about with firewall settings.