Cheap Networking with a Serial or Parallel Cable

Connect the computers using the serial or parallel cable. Make certain that you are connecting the same type of ports. Turn both computers on and log in so that both computers are waiting for you.
Decide which of the computers will be the host and which will be the guest. The host computer will be the one that supports the incoming connection. The guest will be the one accessing the remote computer.
On the host computer, open the Network Connections control panel. Click on the link labeled "Create a new connection." Click the Next button to get to the screen titled Network Connection Type. Choose the radio button labeled "Set up an advanced connection" and click Next. On the next screen, choose the radio button labeled "Connect directly to another computer" and click Next. When asked "Host or Guest," choose Host and press Next. You will be asked what device you wish to use to make the connection. If you are using a parallel cable, choose "Direct Parallel;" if you are using a null serial cable, choose the appropriate Communications Port (the one to which you connected your null serial cable—it should be labeled on your PC, but if not, check the documentation) and press Next. You will then be presented with the dialog box
This dialog box asks you which users will have access to the host computer. If you are unsure about the security of the computer, you should choose an appropriate user. If you know the guest computer does not present a security risk, just choose the Guest account and press Next. The computer now has a network connection called Incoming Connections.
You need to know the network name of the host computer. If you do not know it, on the host computer right-click My Computer-> Properties -> Computer Name. The network name is the name next to the words "Full Computer Name."
Now it's time to configure the guest computer. Again, go to the Network Connections control panel applet and click the "Create a new connection" link. Select "Set up an advanced connection," click Next, choose "Connect directly to another computer," and click Next. This time, when given a choice of "Host or Guest," choose the Guest radio button and press the Next button. When asked for the connection name, type the network name of the host computer. If all goes well, you should see the dialog box . If you do, click the Finish button to close the dialog.

At this point, you have a physical and logical connection between the two computers. Activate the connection by double-clicking its icon on the desktop or in the Network Connections control panel of the guest computer. When the computers recognize each other, you will be asked for the username and password. If you provided guest access on the host computer, you do not need to enter anything; just click the Connect button. If the connection is made, Windows XP will pop up a notification on the taskbar
At this point, you have a network connection. You can use your Network Neighborhood window to browse or search for the host computer. Shared folders will work the same as if you were on an Ethernet network. If your folders and printers do not have permission for the user on the host computer, they will not have the ability to share files or print.
Keep in mind that this method is a one-way connection. One computer is specifically the host and the other is the guest. Those roles cannot be reversed without creating another connection. If you would like to be able to access the computers without designating one as the host, you will need to use an Ethernet connection.