Right. Two parts of setting up your TC.
First network, then file share/backups.
Do this in manual mode, sod the wizard. All config is done in the Airport Utility.
Network wise, I've got mine setup in bridge mode. My modem/router hands out IP addresses, but the TC acts as the access point. That way I get N wireless and Gb Internet, but my modem/router acts as the network gateway.
The option to set bridge is in the Internet section, under Internet Connection.
Under wifi, I've got it setup as WPA2. Then under wireless options I've enabled the dual radios so I get 5ghz/2.4ghz for better throughput and no downspeeding when G devices connect.
This is all the config you should need to get your TC acting as an access point, with the fastest possible wifi speeds for your TC backups when you MacBook arrives.
Now, lets deal with the PC connectivity side of things. Under Disks, go to file sharing. Enable File sharing (this turns on Samba, so your windows clients can connect. Your Mac client will use AFP). Secure the disk as you want, I use the TC password. Set up a work group, your Windows machines will need to be in the same work group.
This is the bit that gets people. Time Capsules have no username, they just use a password. "Proper" SMB clients can just be passed the password, but don't ask for a username. Windows clients will need something.
I authenticate against my TC using:
WORKGROUP\user
<password>
When I map a network drive, I tell the connection to persist. In Windows, don't forget to connect with "Alternate credentials" else it'll try and use your logged in user details.
In summary:
Bridge mode
Dual radios
File sharing enabled
Set password
Map drive from PC to TC using your details in the format above.
Once you have a mapped network drive, you will need some kind of backup software on the PC. Windows backup won't let you do full system images, only your user data. There are other apps out there that will, so have a look about.
Drop me a line if you get stuck.
