I have an SAMSUNG desktop that has windows 8 and doesn't have a wireless adapter and can only access the internet via cable. I also have 2 laptops. One is a compaq that uses Windows XP. The other is a Toshiba M515 that also uses windows 8. I also have wifi access so both of them can access the internet. My question is, how do I connect my desktop to one of these via Ethernet cord and properly set up the LAN connection so that my desktop can also access the internet.

any hints or suggestions would be appreciated.

There are normally Ethernet ports on the back of your wireless router, mine has 4 of them. Like you, I have 2 notebooks, both are wireless, but one is a makeshift desktop.

Take an Ethernet cable & plug it into the back of your wireless router from your PC, that's how my PC & notebook that I described above are connected. I didn't have to setup anything special, just plug the Ethernet cable in & go.

Or if you want a wireless connection for your PC, USB wi-fi adapters are very low cost. Make sure to buy a recent made one that's at least Windows 7 compatible. Your best bet is what I described above.

Cat