Internet Connection Sharing with Linux and WinXP

[laptin]

Hi, I am a linux noob.
My desktop has a network card and a wireless network card.
I have a laptop running Winxp.

Here's what I want to do:

I want to install Linux in my desktop computer, and share my internet connection wireless with my laptop running WinXP

Is this possible?

[waterhead]

The best thing is to take the operating systems out of the connection setup. You should get a router, a cheap one is OK. Or you could get one that has a wireless connection built in.

You don't say what type of connection you have, but your provider may provide you with a modem/router/wireless AP combination unit for little or no charge.

I have cable, so I have this setup:

Cable Modem --> Router --> Switch --> LAN --> Wireless Access Point --> Laptop

I had to give the AP a static IP address, in the router setup, to get it to work

Set your machines to get the IP address automatically with DHCP, and point them to the router's address. (IE 192.168.0.1)