I just got started with Redhat 9 (so i have no clue what i am doing), and I am having a bunch of problems with networking, especially with my other machines in my house - all of which run some variant of Windows.

I am behind a Linksys router, which is connected to my RoadRunner connection. Roadrunner auto-assigns all IP's and DNS, etc... to the router. then the router acts as a DHCP, and assigns LAN IP's - im sure you all know the drill. There is no specific domain, there is only the workgroup (called 485w)

Firstly, I am trying to find a way to change the 'name' of my computer as it appears on the network. Right now it is "LOCALHOST". Changing the host doesn't work, and all I care about is that the windows machines see it as "deepblue." then i can create the shares i need to have in samba - that I understand.

ANy help would be great. Thx.

When you say you want to change the computer name form locahost I would assume you are wanting to change the Linux box.
IF this is the case then you need to probably log on as root and configure your network settings in SuSE we have Yast2 that does thing very nicely in RH you have something simular. If my memory serves me right it under the network card settings or Network settings for sure.
Now I would strongly adivise to read up a bunch on SMABA while it looks simple it is a very complex piece of networking that can cause ulcers and simular alements so read some stuff first and lay out your Plan of action from there. Oreily is a good source and Dr. Olaf Borkner-Decarlo is VERY GOOD!
It has taken me sometime to get mine working and I am only half way there.
Good Luck,
ikw38

It doesn't matter to the windows machines what your compuer name is - it's the name you give it in the samba config file that they will see:

netbios name=deepblue

where would i find the samba config file and how would i change it?

Go to http://www.samba.org/ here you will find documentation to help you.
Strong advise is to read this beforeyou do anything other wise you will be reinstalling many times and getting frustrated.
Lay out a Plan of Action if you have never done network setup before even if you have it still good practice.

try entering the following from the root

find . -name smb.conf

also, I have RH 9 and my smb config file is in /etc/samba/smb.conf