First-Time Networker, where do I start?

[Builder]

Hi. I need a pretty simple network to share Comcast high-speed internet with two computers. One has Windows XP and the other has Windows ME.

This is what I planned to buy:

One:
Dlink DI-604 D-Link Express EtherNetworkTM 4-Port Ethernet Broadband Router

Two:
D-Link 10/100 Mb PCI Ethernet NIC Adapter w/Wake on LAN Model DFE-530TX

Rent:
Whatever cables modem Comcast supplies me.



First of all, what type of cables do I need to buy?

Second, what can I get to connect two lengths of cable if the distance between PCs is too far for just one length?

Finally, is there a tutorial or could someone briefly summarize what the installation procedure is like? What do I install first? What kind of software is involved?

I've never messed with routers before. I don't even know what a MAC address is. Where do I start?

Thanks a lot.

[Mac Medic]

www.practicallynetworked.com
excellent resource for setting up and
administering networks.

[Builder]

Thanks. I'll take a look.