Installing a network
requirmenst rj45 crimping tools and UTP cable
before u crimp the rj45 must fallow the color coding

white orange
orange
white green

creating a workgroup for file and printer sharing
visit this link for window xp
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11334_7-6232456-3.html
http://www.home-network-help.com/set-computer-name.html
for window 7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Join-or-create-a-workgroup

note all workgroup name should be same

ex.. (you computer1) computer "name is: com1" workgroup is: maywrkgroup"
( your computer 2) computer "name is: com2" workgroup is: maywrkgroup"