Windows XP

Need some more information on what you are trying to do.

What type of network are you trying to join? Peer-to-Peer? Domain-based?
If domain based, what is the network operating system? Win2K, Win NT, Novell?

In general, joining a WinXP computer to a network is no different than any other NT-based operating system.

As far as just getting XP up and running quickly, I would suggest not joining the network during XP setup. When given the choice of what type of environment the computer will operate in ("Computer is not connected to a domain" or "Join a domain"), take the choice of not being connected to begin with. This takes one more potential problem area out of the loop if you have to troubleshoot a bad install. You can always join the network later after XP is up and running properly.

You also cannot join a domain if you have XP home eddition. As far as basic networking tasks, it mostly sets itself up. I've had installs where I set the workgroup and computer name and come back to find it has self installed all available networkprinters. It also has a default shared folder "my shared documents" or something. So basically, answer the initial questions correctly and your set.