>This is a really "duh" question to many of you, I'm sure, but it's new to me, since I just got my own laptop (previously I just had company loaners).
>
>What are my options for connecting a laptop directly to a desktop without a network of any sort? It seems like this ought to be easier than connecting two desktops...

Bruce,

I connected a laptop to a brand, new desktop last weekend using Windows Direct Cable Connection. It worked like a network connection. I used a parallel "lap-link" cable to connect the two computers.

You need to have the host computer named using the Control Panel, Networking, Identification tab. You also need to have file sharing enabled on the host computer and share out one or more directories for the guest computer.

I'm not sure if Direct Cable Connection installs with the "Typical" Windows Installation but it can be installed. On my Win98 laptop, it shows under Start-Programs-Accessories-Communications-Direct Cable Connection.

HTH.