You don't have to excuse yourself - we all started at some point.
The main problem with your setup is that your desktop has to be on in order to print from the laptop.
What you in general have to do is to '''share" the printer with your laptop.
I will assume that you are running Windows (XP or Vista) on both of your computers.
- Go to Start -> Printers (on your desktop computer!)
- Look for the printer you want to share.
- Right-click on the printer icon and choose "Properties"
- Go to the "Sharing" tab.
- Select "Share this printer"
If your laptop is running Windows 95.98.Me, or 2000, you have to install "Additional Drivers".
This is a very general description. If this doesn't work or you need more details, come back here and leave a comment with the following details:
- What is make and model of your printer?
- Which Operating system is installed on your desktop and on your laptop?
I will be able to be more specific, if I know what we are dealing with and maybe there is a better solution possible. Maybe the above mentioned steps are working for you, in which case I wish you "Happy printing!"
If you have any more questions, just come back here and leave a comment - I'm happy to help.