For connecting u might need a cheap switch/hub (8 port hub) recommended, or go for single crossover ethernet cables.
Cost less than, hub/switch also economical, but prevents the network from enlarging further.

Then use NFS or Samba to share files back n forth...

For NFS , you need to edit a file called /etc/exports. (edit using vi)

Add the IP and the share name, with permissions required.

To use samba, u need to config smb.conf
just try whereis smb.conf in konsole (in kanotix)

details on config'ing samba will be given inside the smb.conf file.

For further tuts, google.