[Gunste24]

In considering the purchase of a Netbook, which usually comes without a DVD R/W drive, I received conflicting information about transferring programs and data files from my Desktop. I asked whether

* the Netbook HDD would be viewed as an external drive to which one could transfer programs for installation and Data files, when the Netbook is connected via a USB cable.
* Also, whether one can use the Desktop PC's DVD drive to load to the Netbook via USB cable. (I have the original programs for installation on CDs or stored on my Desktop).
Message was edited by: rgreen4 - email address removed. If you really want your email address public (not recommended), simply repost it. It will not be removed a second time.

[crazy4laptops]

fyi, do not post your email address in a public thread/question

you should limit things you install on your netbook... assuming you have a ssd...(solid state drive)

if you have a flashdrive you should be able to copy the installers from the cd to the flashdrive and then just run the installer on the netbook

what programs are you wanting to install??

[bbvammy]

Netbook is not a Notebook.

Keep your applications simple.

[drmsucks]

Gunste24 - There are three easy ways to access CD/DVD's with a netbook. First is a portable USB CD/DVD drive, very effective but expensive and a pita to carry with you. Second, an ethernet crossover cable (NO, this is NOT a regular ethernet patch cable) to connect your netbook to another computer creating a two computer network. This method is simple, cheap and effective but you need to be within the length of the cable to use this hookup. Third, a program like Alcohol 52% (trial.alcohol-soft.com/). Note that the 52% version is a free version.
The second method, via the crossover cable, will set up a two computer network, so, yes, you'll be able to see either computer's hard drive, e.g., you'll be able to see the desktop HD while using the netbook and vice versa. You don't mention the operating systems on the netbook and desktop, but, Google a "crossover ethernet network" including the two OS's and there ought to be several "How To" articles returned.

Finally, DO NOT connect the two computers with a normal USB cable - you can damage one or both of them.

Best of luck!

[drmsucks]

@bbvammy - ???

[Gunste24]

Thanks. Yours was the only sensible and useful rsponse to my question.

Evidently, the salespeople in stores know much less than I do and gave

erroneous indormation.

[drmsucks]

Good luck with your netbook! They are tremendouly useful and a lot of fun! If you haven't purchased one yet, I HIGHLY recommend the ASUS eee series - extremely well constructed (solid as a rock) and good performance, value and battery life. I know that you mentioned shopping in a store, but, you may want to look online at Newegg and Amazon to compare prices. The online stores will also have many more models from which to choose.



Finally, I didn't make clear above, but, the Alcohol 52% program is, as far as I know, only for Windows. There may be a Linux equivalent, but, I don't know what it is. The program is great, however, and basically allows you to place a CD/DVD onto a flash drive and run it from the netbook as if it were the original CD/DVD; application install CD, music CD, game CD, makes no difference - they all run fine from the flash drive.