Exploring the Internet has become a popular activity. People use the
Internet for everything from information to finances to getting medical
prescriptions on the Web. However, in order to use the Internet, you must
have a connection to it. There are many types of Internet connections,
including:
ISDN Connection
Modem Connection
Wireless Connection
xDSL Connection
Ethernet Connections
Red Hat Linux includes the Internet Configuration
Wizard, which can be used to create an Internet
connection. You can then configure the connection that you created at any
time using the Network Administration Tool. More
information about the Network Administration Tool can be
found in the chapter entitled Network Configuration
in the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide.
To use Internet Configuration Wizard, you must
be running the X Window System and have root privileges. To start the
application, use one of the following methods:
In the graphical desktop environment, go to the Main
Menu => System Tools =>
Internet Configuration Wizard.
At a shell prompt, type the command
internet-druid
In both cases you will have to enter your root password to continue.
Your own ISP may have specific connection requirements for their
service which differ from the instructions in this chapter. Before
connecting, check with your ISP for any specific instructions that they
provide, including the following information:
The phone number that your modem must dial to connect to your ISP
if you are using a modem.
Your login name and password for your account if you are using an
xDSL or modem connection.
A gateway address. Some ISPs may require
you to configure a master address (called the gateway) that
authenticates your computer and allows it to connect to the Internet.
DNS entries: DNS means Domain
Name System. DNS servers act as a road map for the
Internet. When you use the Internet, the DNS tells your machine
where to send its traffic. DNS tracks IP
(Internet Protocol) addresses; each computer connected to the
Internet must have an IP address, which is a unique set of numbers
like 2xx.2xx.2x.2. You may receive one or
more DNS entries from your Internet provider when you sign up.
Figure 5-1. Internet Configuration Wizard
ISDN Connection
An ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) connection uses
high-speed, high-quality digital telecommunication lines as opposed
to an analog modem connection. This special phone line must be
installed by a phone company. To configure this type of
connection, start Internet Configuration Wizard,
select ISDN Connection, and follow the steps in
the wizard.
Modem Connection
A modem connection uses a modem to establish a connection to the
Internet. Digital data is modulated into analog signals and sent
over phone lines. To configure this type of connection, start
Internet Configuration Wizard, select Modem
Connection, and follow the steps in the wizard.
xDSL Connection
An xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection uses high-speed
transmissions through telephone lines. There are different types of
DSL such as ADSL, IDSL, and
SDSL. Internet Configuration Wizard uses the term xDSL
to mean all types of DSL connections.
Some DSL providers require you to configure your system to
obtain an IP address through DHCP with an Ethernet card. To
configure this type of connection, start Internet
Configuration Wizard, select Ethernet
Connection, and select DHCP on the Configure
Network Settings screen. Some DSL providers require you
to configure a PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)
connection with an Ethernet card. To configure this type of
connection, start the Internet Configuration
Wizard, select xDSL Connection,
and follow the steps in the wizard. If you must supply a username
and password to connect, you are probably using PPPoE. Ask your DSL
provider which method you should use.
Cable Modem Connection
A cable modem connection uses the same coaxial cable that your TV
cable travels on to transmit data. Most cable Internet providers
require you to install an Ethernet card in your computer that
connects to the cable modem. Then, the cable modem connects to the
coaxial cable. The Ethernet card is usually required to be
configured for DHCP. To configure this type of connection, start
Internet Configuration Wizard, select
Ethernet Connection, and select DHCP on the
Configure Network Settings screen.
Wireless Connection
If you are connecting your Red Hat Linux computer to a wireless access
point (WAP) or peer-to-peer (also called
ad-hoc) network with a wireless
(802.11x) network card, then you will
need to configure your wireless device. Choose the
Wireless Connection, then select the device
from the list provided. You can then configure the device for DHCP
or fixed IP addresses In the pop-up device configuration
window.
The Internet Configuration Wizard is a
utility that guides you step-by-step through the process of establishing
your Internet connection. Once your connection is up and running, you can
then configure it to suit your needs or particular connection.
For more detailed instructions, refer to the Network
Configuration chapter in the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide.
