The Direct Cable Connection enables you to access shared folders on another computer, without the need for your computer to be on a network. If the computer that you are connecting to is on a network, then you will also be able to access it. One of the most common uses for the Direct Cable Connection feature is to link up portable computers to your office desktop. You can make the connection via a direct serial or parallel cable, or even InfraRed connection. All you need to do is determine whether the machine that you are configuring is to be the Host, or the Guest and select the port that you wish to use. The Host machine also has the extra facility to set a password that the Guest user will need to enter to gain access. This accessory remains unchanged from Windows 95.