[zigxter]

how can i directly connect to another computer using an RJ-45 cable and my network card under WindowsXP?

[ekÆsine]

you will need a crossover CAT cable instead of the regular straight CAT. plug the cable to each computer through their network cards. run the network setup wizard on each machine which can be found in control panel > network connections.

[mrdinkel]

Also check to make sure they're on the same workgroup.