networking help

After 21 years of PC I have an IMAC which is a challenge. Despite years of PC experience I cannot seem to network my Dell with XP to my IMAC. I'd like to be able to print from the Dell to the HP that is connected to the IMAC as well as share files. I've found some info that told me to click the apple, click system preferences, then 'view' ...then 'accounts'... my IMAC does not have 'accounts'.. the closest I can find is users...but the choices I am supposed to change are not there... This is the first time in my life I've felt like calling some Geek Squad or something. Instead of learning to enjoy my Mac experience I'm pulling my hair out.. Can anyone help? My Dell does show Susan's Imac but will not 'connect' to it. I am using a Netgear modem router combo on the Imac and a Netgear wireless usb in the Dell. I can't now even seem to delete the Mac from the network list in the Dell so I can start over... Gah!

 

Thanks for the reply. I had tried to enable sharing in the preferences folder but it did not work. The Mac shows the Dell exists and the Dell shows the Mac exists but neither will speak to the other in any way. I have Mac OSX 10.7.2