HELP! Networking 2 home computers!?

I have broadband internet and need to hook up 2 computers. Both have windows XP. I do not want to use the wireless. Can someone tell me (in normal language not computer wiz language) what I need to connect the 2? I need the simplest and cheapest as I have virtually no knowledge of how to network. Thanks.

HELP! Networking 2 home computers!?nortonantivirus

step 1: goto staples and buy a linksys router with 4 connections.. (just ask the sales person and it should have 4 connectors on the back that look like phone jacks).

Step 2: Buy 3 15 foot ( or simmilar) cat 5 patch cables (also ask the sales person)

Step 3: Go home and connect the modem to the router where it says uplink with a cable.. then one to each computer.

Step 4: Turn off EVERYTHING (modem router and comupters) and then turn on the modem till all its lights that should be on are on... plug in router and waid 20 seconds... turn on computers in whatever order you want.

step 5: Right click on my computer and goto properties. click o n the computer name tab then click on change at the bottom. Make sure both computers are in the same workgroup. If they aren't make them the same.

Step 6: if you had to change the workgroup name restart once more and then they are connected :)

If you want to share files between them then you need to right click the file you want to share and go into ''sharing'' and click ''share this file''