How can I create a network?

I bought eight PCs cheap and I want to use them to build a network (one server and six connected PCs). I want to connect this to an Ethernet switch. My goal is then to access the PCs with my laptop via the server. Does anyone know how this works?

First of all, the big question is: What do you want to achieve with the network? Strictly speaking, you don't need a server, everyone is connected to the router and you have a network quickly. Depending on what you want to do, a server is of course necessary.

You first have to connect the server to your internet. Then you can connect the server to the switch. Then you can connect the PCs to the switch. But don't forget: if the server is not configured there's no connection. Finally you have to connect the PCs to the switch.

PS: The connections are made with LAN cable. So the white things; -)

PS2: Internet = router

What for the server?

You need one or more ethernet switches and cables. The PCs are connected to the switch in a star shape. The rest is configuration.

What you want to do is relatively simple.

The server should use Ubuntu or Windows Server.

Choose the services that you want to offer for the individual PCs. PXE booting? SMB services? Cluster computing power?
Connect the Ethernet switch with an uplink towards the Internet, e.g. A router.
Connect ALL PCs to the switch.
Configure the PCs individually. There are many good instructions for this.