Help me set up classroom network (6 pcs)

I teach high school English language learners at a school that doesn't have money to fix its broken server. I have six pc's with internet access that used to be on a network with the rest of the school. I'm hoping I can connect them, using one as a server, so I can run some very expensive software to help them improve their English language skills. We invested thousands in this software and can't use it. I'm just a home network person and will need somebody to hold my hand to do this. I have run network diagnostics and saved the file from each pc. I run XP and don't know whether there is a static IP address. If I have to have one, I have to figure out how to get it out of my teacher's paycheck. Anybody want to take on a shoestring challenge? I follow directions very carefully, but the tech support at this school district is not available because he is so swamped. These kids are worth our trouble; they want to learn and will work hard, but I need the software to stretch my ability to work with them at all different levels of learning, and the software self-adjusts to teach them where they need it.

 

If there is no router in place, that would be the first place. http://www.ezlan.net is the best place to start.

 

Thanks. I did some reading; it's a little over my head. For instance, the pc's are all plugged in by ethernet cables to a box that I think is a hub, not a router. I can't figure out how I am getting the internet if my machines are on a server that is blown. Another server in the school was replaced and they have internet now (I think), but I just got internet back and not network access. I can see the printers my lab pc's used to be able to access throughout the system, and shared folders from computers in other offices, but can't tell what that means.

 

Then you may be better out putting in a Call for help for a tech that can do Consulting to help fix the problem. That is if the school is willing to pay for the services.