How do I network my Vista and XP computers to share everything?

I have been trying to set up my home network all day. I have done a ton of reading and how to sites. I can not get my 2 computer to see each other. My main computer is Vista Home Premium and I want to connect and share everything with my XP Home machine. Here is what I know about my current setup.

I have satellite so my dish connects to my modem then to a hub. So one cable connects to the hub with the signal and then both computers connect to the hub for internet access. That all works perfectly. Now, what I want to do is to be able to see and share all files, folders, and such with both machines. So I know I have to set up a home network. That is where I am having trouble. How do I get the 2 computer to see each other? I have tried to do the set up of a home network and I have not been sucessful. I am lost totally. Both computer are protected with Bitdefender Total Security 2008. I would like to find someone who will work with me one-on-one by IM or email to get my home network set

How do I network my Vista and XP computers to share everything?norten

Ok,

Today I tried to network my VISTA laptop with my XP workgroup (4 computers total)

After I lost the rest of my hair I never had, I got it, all by keeping it simple. My Vista could map to XP, but not XP to Vista.

First the BASICS:

1. Same workgroup, add TRUSTS to your FIREWALL (this will get people every time), I suggest not using the windows firewall or Norton ANYTHING (that is another blog altogether) I use Zone Alarm.