How to start a workgroup with #1dell with windows xp,#2compaq with windows xp,#3 compaq with windows 98,#4 mac mini 10.4,#5 acer laptop with windows7.I need step by step inst, since this is first time with workgrouping, thank you

What are you trying to achieve ?

To share printer

Well that depends on a lot of things. If the printer is network capable then just connect it to your LAN. Assuming these other 5 computers are connected to the same LAN, you should be able to add this printer to each computer. No reason to create a workgroup. Your; existing LAN setup, should suffice for a networkable printer.

Again, this depends. If the printer is not networkable and then you have to be able to connect the printer to one computer and allow printer sharing. That is a different approach.

Lets start at the beginning. What kind of printer? What is your network setup?

It is a canon MP250, the set up will have to be wireless, because they all are far apart, thank you.

By looking up the model of printer you have, I am assuming this is not networkable and only connects via USB. If this is correct, you will have to connect this printer to one of the computers. Preferably one that is stationary and always on.

I have included a set of basic instructions below:

How to Share a Printer Over a Wireless| eHow.com

The part that makes it difficult is the fact that you are utilizing an older OS and a Mac. See if you can at least get your XP Machines to recognize the printer and we can go from there.