ethernet card compatibility

Hi, new to the networking thing, hoping to connect two computers, cable modem and maybe a printer. We would like to wire rather than wireless.  The desktop computer (Dimension 2400) has an integrated 10/100 Ethernet card, the laptop (Inspiron 8100), which pretty much lives in the docking station when I'm not on the road, has a card in the slot that is a Xircom Cardbus Ethernet 100 + Modem 56. Our home offices are on different floors, but in the same location on each floor, we have very easy access for cable between the two offices.

 

Are these cards compatible?

 

Any advice for a newbie?  I understand that a four port hub at 10 mbps is what we want, from doing research.  And a Cat5 cable?  Am I on the right track?  The cable modem installer described how to attach that to a hub, so I'm OK there.

 

Thanks.

 

Kitty