a link between the input/output (I/O) ports of two computers by using a single cable rather than a modem or other interfacing device

A direct cable connection is used to allow two computers to establish a remote access connection. It is the easiest and most secure way of connecting to a computer to which you wish to have access.

A connection between a desktop computer and a cradle that is achieved by connecting the cradle's cable to the desktop computer.

A link between the I/O ports of two computers created with a single cable rather than a modem or other interfacing devices. In most cases, a direct cable connection is made with a null modem cable. See also: input/output (I/O) port; null modem cable

Direct Cable Connection, or DCC, is a feature of Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, and 2000 that allows a computer to transfer and share files (or connected printers) with another computer, via a connection using either the serial, parallel, infrared Ir DA, or USB ports of each computer. It is well-suited for computers that do not have an ethernet adapter installed, although DCC in Windows XP can be configured to use one (with a proper crossover cable if no Ethernet hub is used) if available.