You should find most of what you need here:
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/wxpwin9x.html
Be sure to use TCP/IP. I don't think the fixed IP is necessary, but
maybe someone else will have more to say.
Vista is the oddball here.  Be sure the network is private, and to
enable file and printer sharing. The Network center has all these
settings, and is designed to confuse and hinder you as much as
possible.
All computers should belong to the same Workgroup and have at least
one share enabled.
This is a peer-to-peer network, so all the machines are "equal".
Problems usually include firewalls that are too stupid to know about networking.
It sounds as though you have all the hardware you need, and no third
party apps are necessary.





On Wed, Jul 15, 2009 at 6:04 PM, Bob Lendrim<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I'd like to make a network at my home. I tried several years ago with W98 or 95, found it difficult, and quit.
> I imagine it's easier now. I have a cable modem running into a wireless/g router with 5 computers.
> I will buy any required/suggested hardware.
> My computers are:
>
> 1 P4 Laptop running up to date Vista wireless
> 1 P4 Laptop running up to date XP Pro wired
> 1 P4 Desktop running XP Pro SP1 wireless
> 1 P3 Desktop running W98 wireless
> 1 P2 Desktop running W98 wired
>
> All are Intel chipsets
> I can run a temporary cable to any 4 of the 5 machines to build the network.
> Can/should all 3 OSs be on the same network, or is that a problem?
> Which machine/OS should I use to build the network?
> Should I do it with the Windows OS or use a 3rd party utility ?
> Any suggestions to make it easier would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks for any and all suggestions/input, Bob Lendrim

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