Hi Guys- I am so new to linux, maybe this is over my head. I have a DSL conn with a static IP. Would like to use linux box as a "gateway" for my internal network. Right now just a XPpro box and a laser printer I would liked networked to both. I have a "switching hub", a Mandrake Linux box, XPpro box, and laser printer with a built in rj45 conn.

XPpro box=
2200+ AMP Athlon XP
ASUS A7N8X Deluxe MO-BO(dual nics)
512 DDR RAM(400Mhz running synched w/proc @ 266Mhz)
Chaintech ti4200 128MB 8x AGP
Maxtor 80GB Primary Master
WD 20GB(downloads only) Primary Slave
Lite-On DVD/CDRW Combo Sec Master
Gen 52x CD Sec Slave

Linux Box=
Mandrake 9.1
Pent II 350Mhz
256MB SDRAM
Gen NIC
10GB HDD(dont know specs, can get them if needed)
ATI 3D Rage Pro Video
Ensoniq Sound card

Printer=
Lexmark Optra Lxn+(has built in NIC)

If this is possible, I would like to learn the basics for getting these all to work together. Printer not important, can learn that later. Immediate goal is to get linux box networked with XP and both able to access internet. This too much for complete linux newb? Have some computer knowledge, but it did take me 7 times to finally get mandrake to install. First 6 times failed, had to do it in text mode b/c only had 64MB RAM. Put in a stick of 256MB RAM and that installation went without a hitch. Ok well dont know if this is too much info or not enough. Any info/links appreciated, I have been reading alot, but I can't really understand what I am reading.


Thnx

EDIT: Added a second NIC card to linux box, not sure if I have to "install" it or if mandrake just picks it up during bootup.

EDIT: Using the KDE interface(i think...)in the Control Panel I am able to see the 2 NIC cards(both same card)but in the config panel I only show etho0, no second NIC to config. Should I reinstall mandrake with both NIC's installed? Right now the second NIC was added after installation. I am thinking I need to configure it in root somehow, but dont know where to begin. Any help?Thnx

This is both an Update and a bump...heheh

I am posting this on my LINUX BOX!!!!!!!!!!! I am soooo excited!!! What that means is I am just running my Linux box off the DSL modem. I have another NIC card installed that I am now going to try and hook into my XP machine. When I had the XP box online I was running ZApro for a firewall, what do I use now? I saw a built in firewall for mandrake, will that suffice? I'm so excited about this but what do I need to learn first? I am in KDE now so its familiar like windows, will be ok for now but I need links if ya have em!!! Plz Plz Plz dig out those newbie links! I got mandrake installed and on the net with just my own brain power, my brain is TIRED!!! I need to get my XP box hooked into my linux box and then be able to access the net thru the linux box. And then I shall be happy, at least until next weekend!

Thank You!

EDIT:I am posting this update while on my XP box which is using the linux box as a gateway! wheeeeee!!! Not really sure how I did it, just made sure all settings were set corrrectly double checked and then fiddled with em just a bit. Now what do I need to know about Firewall security....

Can you tell me step by step (if possible) how you got verizon dsl to run on your Linux box? I am having major problems doing this and would like your advise, also running Mandrake 9.1

Steve

If possible please email me with details. Are u using static IP address?

Steve- I am on a static IP, are you on a static IP with Verizon? I downloaded Mandrake on fri(no prev exp) and installed it Sat afternoon/night. I had my net connection hooked up during installation, and mandrake did all the work. I had my XP box networked thru the linux box for a little bit, but am having trouble with DHCP addressing(my XP box isnt able to renew IP's). My advice would be to just go step by step with your net connection hooked up during install, I realize this isnt much help. I have messed up my network settings so bad that I am going to reinstall mandrake again when I get home.) Right now I am only able to navigate around mandrake using the GUI interface. When I go thru the reinstall again, I will pay more attention to which options I use on install. Let me know where you are at with installing mandrake and the network thing. G 'Luck!

PS-DHCP addressing, mandrake 9.1 and XPpro-My XP box isnt able to renew IP addresses...anby ideas? thnx!

EDIT:Steve- I am not using Verizon DSL, check to see what type of IP you have, static or dynamic.

Ok well I had it going for a little bit and then XP seemed to loose the net connection. That was with DHCP, now I need to set it up with static IP addressing. I assigned the nic in my XP box as 192.168.0.5 and its default gateway as 192.168.0.1, set eth1 in linux box connected to xp box with following ip 192.168.0.1 and its default gateway as my.ip.add.ress, set eth0 up with ip my.ip.add.ress and default gateway correctly(linux sees net). Now from my XP box I can ping 192.168.0.1(default gateway) but cant ping my.ip.add.ress. Any thoughts? Thanx