Hi Flying Lawyer,
You have quite a lot of options for linking the two devices together. As they're both Windows 98 means that you already have functionaity within the Operating System.
You could link the two machines together using a serial lead. This lead would connect to the 9 pin connector in the back of your PC shaped in a "D". The cables can be easily purchased from any decent PC shop or Staples/Office World.
1. Make sure that Direct Cable Connection is installed on your systems. It is a part of Windows 98 but is not always installed. From the desktop choose "Start", "Programs" and "Accessories". If DCC is installed you will see it in this list. If it is, skip to step 3.
2. To install DCC, first open the control panel. "Start", "Settings" then "Control Panel". Choose "Add/Remove Programs" then click the "Windows Setup" tab. Highlight "Communications" and click "Details". Check the "Dial-Up Networking" and "Direct Cable Connection" boxes. Click "OK" then "OK". You may be asked for the Windows 98 setup CD.
3. If they aren't already installed you must install a protocol and client on each machine and enable file and printer sharing on the host. Right click "Network Neighborhood" then click "Add". Choose "protocol", "Microsoft" then a protocol (NetBEUI, IPX/SPX or TCP/IP). You must select the same protocol for both machines. Click OK. Now, click "Add" again, "Client", "Microsoft" and "Client for Microsoft Networks". Click OK. On the host machine click "File and Print Sharing..." and choose one or both of the options you are given. Click "OK" then "OK". You may be asked for then Win98 disks and have to restart.
4. Once DCC and the correct clients and protocols are installed on your computer choose "Start", "Programs", "Accessories" and "Direct Cable Connection". One computer will be the "Host" and the other "Guest". Make the selection and choose "Next". On the Host machine you will be given the option to require a password.
5. Choose the port that you are going to use and connect the cable. Click "Next".
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the other computer.
7. Choose "Finish" or "Connect" on the Host then the guest and you should start communicating.
OR
If your laptop computer has a network connection while you're in the office it is possible to connect the two devices together using the Local Area Network.
As it goes, Microsoft "out of the box" syncronisation stinks. Never ever use "My Briefcase" - to be avoided at all costs. I've never used PCAnywhere or Laplink so I don't know about their synchronisation tools but I will investigate.
B