Hi,

I am looking for ways to:

• Connect two devices (Laptop and PC)
• Via Ethernet cable
• so that, I can view file contents of Desktop from my laptop

What I understand till now is:

• I need to get the link between PC and lappy to work, can't get it done because I can't figure out how to turn my desktop into server.
• Link the server to a file manager to view them

Problems I am facing

• Unable to get the ip working in both the devices when they are connected (Tried DHCP)
• Got dhcpcd working, but what I feel is that I need to use dhcpd as a service in the server, and I couldn't find any source to do that reliably, dhcpd is not recognized as a service too
• Can't figure out which network protocol or service to use, I need basic file transfer, Maximum 6 gigs at a time, if it exceeds 100Mbps transfer speed, I am satisfied. Basically My desktop hosts all my video lectures so I want to transfer them to laptop when I travel(Laptop has very little space)
• Also it would be cool if I can use basic tools only without much modifications to the system (I am happy as long as I have to change configs and stuff, don't want to bloat it because of less space and security concerns)

Things I have tried

• DHCP (can't get the server right in desktop, can't find appropriate guide)
• Samba (skeptical about using it, alternatives better)
• SSH (can't setup data transfer with ethernet cable )

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And Wireless is out of option because it's too slow right now for me and yes, I have gone through the archwiki multiple times, either I couldn't understand stuff or it was not clear enough sometimes.

Any help or guide will be helpful, also glad to get direction towards which technology to choose or prefer. I am currently open to learning new stuff if it satisfies the need.