guide to building a local network with mac and pc?

I have a big project to do with a friend this weekend. he works in a sign making place where there are 2 pcs and 2 macs. I need a good guide that will show the best ways to network macs on panther with pcs on xp.

I have tried searches on google but everything it seemed to fine was so vague.

I know panther networks with pcs much better over jaguar or any other os so i'm sure it won't be too hard. its all wired, no wireless at all.

point me to a good info source or provide advice please.

thanks