I think I really need to install SuSe , I never had chance to use SuSe though.
But the procedure is simple, all you need is to first connect the cable then assign proper IP to both the computer, say .. IP : 192.168.1.1 / 255.255.255.0 to windows xp box and IP 192.168.1.2 / 255.255.255.0 to SuSe box.
Now in SuSe, I think Samba is preconfigured.. you can access it via browsing windows share or typing "smb://" in browser and shall show you windows network.
May be someone who use use SuSe frequently can guide you in more detail.