I have a Laptop and a DEsktop. I want to move a large folder from
laptop to desktop. I dont want to use a Hub, just an ethernet cable.
Both the comps have windows xp on them.
I know people who did this before.

Hi,
You don't need a hub. Just get a Cross-over network cable and connect
both the computers. Use setup home network from the network settings
to make them belong to the same workgroup.  Right click on folder on
the first machine and share the folder. You should be able to transfer
the files from one machine to another.

thank you
Srini

Here are more details on creating cross-over cables:

http://www.makeitsimple.com/sections.php?artid=8

Thanks guys...

I just got a crossover cable and it works.....

thanks again;.