I use a cross-over cable all the time between two computers. Then again, I have the cable. If you don't and you can't make one, then believe it or not an ethernet switch is often cheaper than a cross-over cable.
I have in /etc/network/interfaces: computer 1: iface eth0 inet static address 192.168.1.1 netmask 255.255.255.0 network 192.168.1.0 broadcast 192.168.1.255 computer 2 is the same except for the address being 192.168.1.3 After you make the changes, on each computer: ifdown eth0 ifup eth0 Also put both computers in both computer's /etc/hosts 127.0.0.1 localhost 192.168.1.1 computer1 192.168.1.3 computer2 You should then be able to ping back and forth. Remember that 192.168.1.0 is the network itself. Read the debian-reference, and the relavent HOWTOs Good luck, Doug. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]