[mdlug] Setting up a home network

[Michael]

This should be something really simple and I can't even figure out where to
start. I am hoping someone might point me in the right direction.
The core hardware:
1) Motorola surfboard cable modem connected to Comcast internet
2) Linksys wrt54g v5 wireless router
3) Ubuntu Desktop machine with multiple Ethernet connections
(mnewman-desktop)
4) Various laptops, iphones and peripherals that go from the home network to
work to coffee shops, etc.

What I want:

A.) A simple home network where each computer has its own name and can be
accessed via that name. I can bring my Apple Laptop home from work and ssh
into mnewman-desktop/access media files on it
B.) Access to my home network (specifically mnewman-desktop) via port 22 and
80 from outside the network

Originally I thought I would set up something like

Modem --> mnewman-desktop --> wireless router

And I had shorewall working, and then I realized I mess around on
mnewman-desktop too much and taking down the entire network because I
installed a bad piece of software. So ideally the set up would be Modem -->
wireless router --> network (including mnewman-desktop)

I don't think this set up should be that difficult, but I can't figure out
even where to start.

Anybody have any experience/care to help?

Thanks, Michael