Networking - Where to start?

[azadirect]

Im looking to network my new computer to my old one along with the upstairs computer. I have never tried to network anything in my life and im not sure were to start (and yes, I do have network cards in each computer).

Im wondering if I can use my old laptop, which I never use, to be the main server. It is not very powerful and it is pretty old (about 5 years). It has just under a Gig of memory and it probably has less than 64 meg ram. Is it decent enough to run as nothing but a server to the other computers. All it will be doing is supplying cable internet and the network, nothing else.

If this is possible, how and where do I start?

[[Oc]acaridans]

I would reconmend getting a router, they make the networking of computers much easyier

[pcgirl]

Personally, I would let the new computer be the server, rather than the old laptop. No sense in having a computer on the network that isn't really being used....that's just my opinion though. :)