Log onto the network

Hi, I really need some help. I need to connect a laptop to the network. Now the laptop has Win 2k proffesional on it. I have been using Win 98 and it is quite easy to connect to the network. In Win 98, I set the I.P address and default gateway and in client for Microsoft network, I will add the domain and then the machine is ready to log onto the network. But I am getting confused with Win 2k, can someone pls help with the precise steps.
Thanks
Dave