Trying to set up a home network

hello,
iv been trying to set up a home network for ages now, iv never don this before and im using one laptop with xp home and my desktop is a vista home premium. could someone please help me, they are connected to a router via ethernet cable, any help would be much appreciated

first the wiring;

Code:

modem---(wan-side)-router-(lan-side) ---- your systems

each system needs to use DHCP to acquire TCP setup from the router.

use CP->Network Connections->Lan Connection
right-click->properties; pull down to Tcp/Ip and then click Properties Button
set DHCP for IP and DNS; click ok, ok

if working correctly, run->cmd and enter IPCONFIG /ALL
you will get Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

IP address
Gateway address
subnet mask
MAC address
DNS Addresses

at this point, the system can use a browser and your email

Print/File sharing is then configured if necessary

could someone please write that in english

1. Make sure you get the patch for XP PC from Microsoft:
WindowsXP-KB884020-x86-enu.exe

That patch above is for XP box where a Vista box is present so the Vista box can see the XP box.

What else do you need help with. Joebeard is good at this stuff as we all here is. Just ask away...