Network Setup--Please Help

I'm not a computer moron, but I just cannot figure this one out. I have just moved from DC to California and I am working out of my house. I have a Dell Laptop given to me by my company and a Dell Desktop that we've had for years. Currently, there is no network set up between the desktop and laptop, which I'd like to set up.
I just purchased a HP All in one Copy/Scan/Fax/Print and I'm trying to figure out how to get all three devices on the same network, so both computers can use it and cannot figure out exactly how to get them all to see each other so that they all work properly.
Here are the specs of the systems:
Desktop: Windows 98 SE 4.10.2222; 255MB RAM
Laptop: Windows 2000 SP 4; CPU 1000MHz; 261 RAM

We have SBC Global as our service provider and the DSL modem that they provided is a wireless router with four ethernet ports in the back. Currently, I am able to connect to the Internet on the laptop either with a Ethernet cable or wireless, whichever I choose.

I don't know if there is more information that someone would need to help, but if not, can someone please walk me through getting a network setup on both computers?

thanks so much.
Josh

 

I don't have step by step instructions, but I can offer a few tips.

As long as both systems are on DHCP, they should be in the same subnet because of the router. Make sure that they are both in the same workgroup (which I believe should default to WORKGROUP in Win2000 and Win98). That should allow them to see each other. If you go into Network Places you should see the name of the other computer.

Once you see the other computer, plug the printer directly into one and share the printer. Once shared, just go to add printer on the other system and add a network printer.

I'd love to give more detail, but I don't remember much about Win98 other than how much I loved it more than WinME! Hope somebody corrects me if I'm wrong, but good luck!

 

thanks so much.
I actually ended up calling HP and had them help me set up the network and the printer/scanner/copier/fax. Now, it all works.
Josh