reading my ubuntu over my network

[mastermarko]

how do i get windows xp to find my ubuntu on the network i am only new to linux and any help would be great and as far as it goes i dont no much more about windows lol

[Iowan]

Start by verifying that windows can ping Ubuntu.

Learn Ubuntu's IP address by running ifconfig from a terminal. Same information is available (on my 7.10 machine) under System>Administration>Network Tools. Under Network Device, choose Ethernet Interface. The IPv4 address is probably the one you want. May be different on Gutsy (8.04).

I ordinarily use Windows (XP) START>Run "CMD" to get a command prompt (Ahhh, the good ol' days...) ping 192.168.1.2 (substitute the Ubuntu address).

This is only the first step. I suspect what you really want is to share files - which will require Samba. (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SettingUpSamba)