[Ham-Computers] How do I set up "fixed" IP and submask etc on XP, Vista and Win98

[Philip, KO6BB]

Hi,

This is probably stupid questions, but I have a reason for asking.

For some years I've been running the most basic of home networks, all 
computers plugged into the same router, which is tied to the DSL modem. 
Every once in awhile I'll get an "IP conflict" between two machines, which 
doesn't really seem to affect anything.

Now I want to network my laptop running Vista Home Premium", and the 
desktop, running XP-Pro. This so I can easily share folders, files etc (I 
want to run some radio decoding software like Skysweeper and Spectran etc on 
the laptop while logging on the main machine).

So, to keep the Router from assigning "Default" IP settings to the machines, 
how do I "fix them" so that the router always knows which machine is which 
(and each computer knows who is who).  I need to know this for Vista, XP and 
Win98 (my wife' email machine).  I DON'T think it makes a difference, but 
the router is a Linksys wired unit.

73 de Phil,  KO6BB
http://ko6bb1.multiply.com/
http://members.lycos.co.uk/ko6bb/

DX begins at the noise floor!
RADIO/Antennas: Yaesu FT-2000, Two Modified Mini-whips.
Homebrewed 7Hz Filter, Modified MFJ-1040C Pre-Amplifier.
Merced, Central California, 37.3N 120.48W  CM97sh