how can i transfer files between ubuntu PC and mac using ethernet cable?

Question

Level 1

8 points

how can i transfer files between ubuntu PC and mac using ethernet cable?

i'm trying to transfer a large amount of data (~100GB) from a PC running hardy heron to a macbook pro running snow leopard. both computers are connected to the internet through my wireless modem but i know that it should be possible to do this using only an ethernet cable connecting the two, which i have, and i'd like to know how to do this.

i am quite a noob so very detailed instructions would be appreciated. thanks a lot.

Message was edited by: kaston

Macbook Pro Intel Core 2 Duo 2.53 GHz, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Sep 26, 2009 10:07 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 27, 2009 9:03 AM in response to kaston

You can do this, but you will need to buy or make what is known as a crossover cable.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernetcrossovercable
You cannot transfer data between the two using a standard ethernet cable due to the way it is wired.

Once you have a crossover cable, all you need do is configure a manual IP address on each machine within the same subnet (i.e. give one machine something like 192.168.0.1 and the other 192.168.0.2).

Once your network config is setup on each machine, you will be able to transfer whatever you like between the two.

Good luck.

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Answer 2

kaston Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 28, 2009 11:38 PM in response to chrisbragg41

that seems to work, but it's not a reliable connection. yesterday when i set my ubuntu box up with a static ip and then put both boxes on the same subnet mask and connected them with my ethernet cable, the mac immediately detected the ubuntu box. but then i rebooted both boxes, did the exact same thing and i had to reboot my ubuntu box several times before the mac recognized it. not sure why.

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Answer 3

Wingsy

Level 2

210 points

Sep 29, 2009 4:28 AM in response to chrisbragg41

Since he got it working, this isn't a big deal, but... for years the Mac's ethernet ports have had the ability to reverse the polarity of the signals if a crossover is needed, automatically. No need for special cables when hooking up to a Mac.

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