Question : Network Slow Windows XP

We have four PC's linked together which we use for file sharing. We have a network hub. All the machines run Windows XP three home and one Professional. When a location is listed in my network places we can don't have a problem. When we explore the Microsoft Windows Network it is very slow taking 20/30 seconds. We want to resolve this.

When we set up the machines we just followed the wizards. Also we did wahtever we did to get things working which is probably why we have the problem. I have read that we should have static addresses - which we don't and also we may have to many protocols installed/running - if that makes any sense. For example on my machine the LAN properties show:

Client for Microsoft Networks
File and Printer Sharng for Microsoft Networks
QoS Packet Scheduler
Network Monitor Drive
NWLink NetBios
NwLink IPX/SPX/NetBios Compatible Transport Protocol
Microsoft TCP/IP Version 6
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Question:1  How do I set Static IP Adresses

Question:2  What about these LAN properties are they correct ?

Answer : Network Slow Windows XP

it  ther any windows firewall , then first disable it  ? ( u can configure it later for work group)

i think no problem with norton anti virus guard.  but if u are running Norton personal firewall then disable it.( u can configure it later for work group network setting)

and check each PC's  " Browser service" started or stop ( under adminstrative tool > srvices).If it is stop then start   it.

find each PC IP address, use this command at command prompt  < Ipconfig>
 next ping to those address from other PC's. is ther ay time out errors ?