networking

hi, i’m kind of like a novice when it comes to computers and so i really need your help. i have a laptop and a desktop both running windows xp pro. the desktop has a printer and is connected to the internet thru a dial up modem.i want to link my laptop to my desktop so i can access the printer from my laptop. i also want to be able to access the internet from my laptop. i would like to do this connection using cables if possible.how can i do this?