connect a pc and a mac via a switch

[naonao]

hello everyone i am new here, and i'm trying to help a friend with the following situation:

we r trying to connect two computers so that both share the internet.
we r using a switch.
the cables are connected but a warning message apeears stating the connection is not working properly.
how do we configure XP so that the connection starts working?

thnks

[Variable]

XP by default uses DHCP. If the switch is connected to a router and the router is doing DHCP then it should connect fine. Check your LAN connection properties for "Obtain IP Address autom.."

If you want more help you need to provide more information about the network.