network

ok, i have my double flame retardant suit on ; 1-*newbie question*, 2-
network *w/windows* & linux

i put a nic into my redhat 9.0 box. i can ping my windows laptop. so far
so good.
BUT how do i get to a nice little picture (gui) so i can go to the
laptop and find files without using the command line? (you're answering
someone who's never used a LAN b4)

AND why doesn't my linux machine show up in the windows network
neighborhood, i.e. do i need to add it, anyone know how to do that?

thanks in advance.
this is all so that i can upload photos to my laptop when i travel ,
then bring them home and move the files to linux and work in the gimp
and burn them.
really appreciate help, thanks again

betty i.