To set up a network you must have the computer linked via a ethernet cable. This cable will allow you to create a network. This is the only way to share your printers, and computers.
You can share every folder on a computer network, you just have to edit the share characteristics.
A stand alone environment has no network hooked up to a computer, therefore, no internet. A network (either LAN, WLAN, or WAN) allows data to be shared amoungst computers. The Internet is a WAN network, the one in your home a LAN, and a network shared amoungst several skyscrapers would be a WLAN.
a home group or work group
If you use a network at all in a home situation then a LAN is common.
A local printer is one that is connected directly to an end user's desktop or laptop computer, and is usually used exclusively by that one end user. This is in contrast to a networked printer, which can be accessed and used by multiple people on the same network that the printer is attached to.
Home Area Network.
That depends on the configuration of your home network and the security settings on the computer in question. The short answer is probably yes. If it is a Windows machine, it likely comes with all of it's drives shared (at least as hidden shares if not obviously) and therefore other people can access your files. As a matter of fact XP Home by defualt shares your documents out.
Network hub can be shared with your home or office and also serve as a router too
Yes. You can use certain software that will allow you to do it, or you can use the network at a home or business to connect through shared files, although if the other person doesn't want you to see certain things, they have the option not to share them. You are only allowed to see anything that is on the network share folder.
Any of the windows vista programs are perfect for the mac computer and are easy to install.
phoneline
First, you must buy a wireless router, I recommend a Linksys type "n" router. After this, you install it to your computer, and if you are running XP, Vista, or 7, it will automatically install drivers. After this is complete, simply go to your wireless network screen and select "Set up a new network connection". Type in the information prompted, and your new connection should be established.