  The transfer matrix method is applied to finite quasi-1D disordered samples
attached to perfect leads. The model is described by structured band matrices
with random and regular entries. We investigate numerically the level spacing
distribution for finite-length Lyapunov exponents as well as the conductance
and its fluctuations for different channel numbers and sample sizes. A
comparison is made with theoretical predictions and with numerical results
recently obtained with the scattering matrix approach. The role of the coupling
and finite size effects is also discussed.
