Transferring data from desktop to notebook

How do I do this? I'm serious.
I've never needed to, so I don't know how.
If it is a simple procedure, please explain--
if not, /r/ links.

Thanks much.

you should be able to just connect the ethernet ports of the two computers with a crossover cable (NOT a patch cable) and run the Network Setup Wizard (which is rather idiot friendly, so no fear of botching anything) on both.  make sure file sharing is turned on, both computers have a unique name, and both computers are set to the same workgroup.  copy required data files to/from shared folders (Windows automatically creates a 'My Shared Documents' or something like that, iirc.  you can set another directory as shared by right-clicking on it in My Computer and fiddling with the Sharing and Security option).  you will likely need to have Administrator access to do any of this.

this assumes you don't already have a switch or hub handy.  if you do, just plug both computers into the switch with normal patch cables and do the same thing.

note that this setup assumes you won't need internet access while the two computers are networked.  throwing internet into the picture confuses the situation somewhat.