You can get a network hub for just as cheap (see link below). Just stick that in between the computer and your network box... then connect or disconnect the laptop and the computer as needed. In FACT, if you connect both computers to the hub, and the hub to your DSL or cable connection, you can do this:
- Keep one of the them with the current software setup to the internet (probably you get a dynamic IP address?)
- Take the other one, change the network settings so that it's on the same subnet as the computer connected to the internet
And then you should be able to see one computer from the other one, even if the 2nd one isn't able to get online.
If they are setup as being in the same "workgroup" and they both have "computer names", you can just access one computer from the other by going to explorer and typing in \\name_of_other_computer\username ... this will allow you to copy files from one machine to the other.
If you need help with this setup, PM me and I'll walk you through the settings. Shouldn't be too difficult.
And a network hub can be bought nearly anywhere (no need to get a router, which has to be configured and is more expensive):
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... e=category
Actually you can get both computers on the internet with a router as well, as Jules mentioned. (even if your service provider only allows 1 internet connection - it's the router that's directly connected to the internet so your server provider won't even see that there are more computers connected.) It's slightly more difficult to set up but is also not that bad.
Sorry to hear about the cancer diagnosis. I hope you are doing well and taking care of yourself.