VMWare, VM’s, internet, & security

Hey all-

I’m about to build my last 32 bit PC. I want to run XP Pro- then install & run VMWare in order to load 98-W2K as VM’s (& a few Linux, as well).

I have 4 home PC’s, 2 used mainly for work-related tasks. Some are wired, some wireless, via my (cable) router.

Can someone here give me a walkthrough on the best way to set up the VM’s so that they have internet access w/o being a virus target? Or is that even possible? Can this be done but still allow file transfers between VM’s?

I read through a lot at their site- but nothing quite addressed this (or I didn’t find it).

TIA!