[Beginner] S4820T configuration as a basic switch

First of all, I'm a complete beginner when it comes to networks. So please bare with me if I ask really stupid questions or don't know how the phrase certain things properly.

Product: S4820T

Current State of configuration:
I was able to configure the management port (set user name and enable password) and can access it via telnet. I also played around with some settings (e.g. (conf) interface tengigabitethernet x/x).

Goal:
There are multiple machines (they all got static ip addresses) that I want plug into the switch so they can communicate, just like one of those cheap switches from bestbuy.

Problem:
Reading the manual confused me more than it helped me (I kinda figured out that I needed to play around with the IPv4 settings since all machines have a static IPv4 address).
If I set a port to "no shutdown" and give it an ip (why does that port need an ip?), the leds on the back go on, but the two devices I plugged in to test the setup couldn't even ping each other.

Question:
What do I have to do/what settings do I have to change to achieve my goal?

I hope I posted all the information needed to help me. If not, please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

Ramsie