1st get Network for Dummies..... Yes they are good books with a lot of basic down to earth explanations. I have a series of them with my other Tech Speak books.
2nd I would recommend the following "Fantom MDN1000 G-Force MegaDisk Network Attached Storage - 1TB" it is priced just right $360.00 at tiger direct....
3rd You will have to set up the router. It does not matter if you have INTERNET but you will need to set up the closed network. You can use a 192.168.1.XXX numbering scheme.
You will need to setup all laptops with an IP, setup the printer with a IP and the storage device with an IP. For security you can use MAC addresses when you configure your switch and router. This will limit anyone not in your listing from accessing your equipment. The firewall will then have to be setup.
You can share your printer if it is not network capable.
Attached is a basic Network layout.
Hope this helps.....
network basic.pdf