How to setup wired network with G4, MBP and PC

Question

Sorry to ask a bit of a stupid question here, but I've never had to network machines together so I'm starting from a knowledge level close to zero.
Situation. Old G4 (733) and new (intel) Mac Book Pro in one room. New PC (Dell) in another room with a wired router connected to internet. PC is also connected to a laserprinter. Hard wire ethernet cable running between the rooms to connect either the G4 or the MBP to the internet. Both the G4 and the MBP have only one ethernet connection. MBP is wireless, as is the PC. The G4 is not.
First off, I'd like to network the MBP and the G4. I believe ethernet is the best way to do this, but if I do that, how would I then connect to the internet? Would I just have a second router in the Mac room with the 2 Mac's hooked up to it and the other end going back to the router that's connected to the internet? I'd rather stay hard-wired than go wireless if at all possible. I do most of my internet work through the MBP, but some must be done through the G4, ie software updates, as the G4 has a lot more programs on it.
Second question, how would I then network to the PC in the other room? It would be nice to move files, photographs for instance, between the Macs and the PC. I'd also like to access the lazerprinter which is in that room, connected to the PC.
Hoping this is a simple question with a simple answer.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi-
Welcome to Discussions!
What you are describing is all possible, but, I am going to assign you some reading. This way, you'll be able to deal with your own particular needs, like a Pro.
The following will get you up to speed on networks, and various hardware needed:
http://www.atpm.com/network/setup/index.html
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/homenetworking/HomeNetworking_Setting_Up_a_HomeNetwork.htm
http://www.apple.com/support/tiger/network/
Adding the PC into the network has some special considerations. the following sites have good info for setting up such a network:
http://www.mac-connect.com/
http://www.apple.com/business/mac_pc/tutorials.html
For my needs, I have a switched ethernet network. All computers are connected to the switch, as is the modem, by ethernet cable. This allows computer to computer networking using AppleTalk. With the same cabling and switch, the computers are all able to connect to the internet using DHCP, or, one at a time using PPPoE.
These are all Mac's, but, with some setting adjustments, a PC can also be placed in a similar network.
As well, adding a wireless connection for one computer is possible. This would require a wireless base station to be connected to the switch. The wireless capable computer would then be able to enter the network, and vice-versa. Of course, the settings for all the hardware and software are the key. The settings can have variables, depending on what is connected, and how the connections are made. Another variable is your router/modem, and your internet service providers policies on multiple connections.
Adding the printer depends on the capabilities of the printer. Often, it is only possible to share a printer through a computer. A network capable printer can be connected to the switch, directly, or to a wireless base station, and then shared by all on the network.
http://www.atpm.com/7.12/networking2.shtml
http://www.apple.com/support/tiger/network/
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1596
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