[Help] Networking

[ShiSatsuki]

I need some help and badly. I have done what I can think to do, even calling family and friends much more versed in computers and even Windows.

Here is the situation:

I have two computers. One is a Dell Laptop with Windows XP Media Center and the other is a home-built desktop with Windows XP Proffesional with SP2. I am trying to network the two and I am failing miserably.

I have Cable Internet and the network is set up as such: the cable modem is directly tied to the internet. I have a LinkSys Router connected to the Cable Modem. The two computers are connected at the LinkSys Router. Both computers can and recieve the internet; they play online games when I am around- so I know everything is set up fine in that aspect.

The network is kinda functional beyond that point but not too much more. The laptop sees the desktop and the desktop absolutely refuses to see the laptop. On the other hand the laptop does see the desktop but will not access it because certain permissions have not been set. (I have worked with the permissions and tried what I can with that.) The network is also very slow at seeing what little there is too see if anything at all.

I have consulted a couple of books on this and still doesn't work.

What am I doing wrong and how can I get this network to work and is it even possible?

If not, why?

I thank all in advance for your help and your thoughts on this problem.

Sincerly,

ShiSatsuki