How do I set up a home networking system?

I want to set up a home network system between my laptop with windows vista, and my desktop with windows xp. How can I create a home network so I can share files from a computer to another.How do I set up a home networking system?
1. Both Computers need a Network Interface Card (NIC) - Ethernet


2. You will need Cat-5 Ethernet Cable (Cross Over Cable)





Plug the cable into each computer and run the network setup wizard on each PC.





Make sure the Workgroup Name is the same on both PC's.


Make sure the Computer Name is Different on each PC.


IN the Wizard - enable file and print sharing.How do I set up a home networking system?
You need to connect both computers with ethernet cable. Then in control panel you can go to network connections; on the left hand side you can see the option of setting up home of small office network. Click run and finish that setup on both computers. Then you will able to share files on both computers. Enjoy!
Get a router. I have had good luck with Netgear routers. Plug the internet connection into the WAN port. Plug the ethernet card from each of the other pcs into the LAN ports. With the laptop you may want to connect wirelessly instead. Most routers have a wireless access point nowadays. You can turn off the tranmitter if you don't want to use it. If you are on DSL you will have to configure your modem as a bridge. The provider will usually help you do this. With cable you usually don't have to do anything with the modem.





The peer to peer connection others are talking about might be a bit dicey with Vista and WinXP. You will need a crossover ethernet cable to do it that way. It's cheaper because you don't have to spend $40-$60 o a router, but it is a bit more difficult to set up.
i would go to microsoft with that question, but you may have issues with xp and vista working together.
The easiest way is to purchase a router. You plug both machines into the router and then you can easily share files back and forth. The name of each computer will be significant to looking for files on the other machine. You can map network drives to the other computer and have them logon automatically at reboot - that way you will have quick and easy access to the other computers files.