setting up a network is a bit juicer proposition than most users will want to play with IMHO
http://www.samspublishing.com/librar...eqNum=143&rl=1
if both computers have either a networking card or intergrated network controller you can connect those computers with a network crossover cable; commonly found at most computer stores for about $15.00
you could also remove the hard drive from the old computer, install it in an external enclosure, then connect it via USB to the new computer and access all your info ? this type of enclosure can cost as little as $20.00 to $25.00
or if you want the really easy way out, just buy a USB external hard drive / enclosure, then you can use that as the common intermediary via USB connections, then when you are finished, you can use the new usb external hard drive for redundant data back-up
the enclosure is the easiest in my humble opinion