How to share files on a closed network?
 

I'm well and truly stuck. I would like to set up a small local network to share files between two Linux machines both connected to a Linksys firewall router through cat 5 cables. The router is also internet connected if that needs to be said, and internet works on both machines.
I had no idea I would be beating my head against the wall on this - but I am.
The router is a BEFSX41, both computers are running Ubuntu Jaunty.
I have read up on and tried L2 bridge(ing), connecting to each others desktop (worked but VERY slow), and installed Samba. Which does...I have no idea what.
The very quick overview is two machines connected together on a local network behind a firewall. Security is a moderate concern only - they are both personal workstations.
Some step by step directions in some way forward would be helpful. Anyone?

I suggest looking into NFS

and Samba helps you to share with windows machines/printers etc.

Ok, I'll do that. Again anyway forward at this point is "help" to me.

Ok, I installed NFS and NIS as described in the article. YP bind failed during the NIS install. No surprise.
This is looking like a few books on networking and a few days at least.
Is that how this goes?