Hello all, linux virgin here looking for some introductory advice.

I've done a bt of searching but cant seem to find the correct things i need to know.

I'm looking to use an old pc i have as a wireless router. I have a bt adsl connection that has an adsl modem which outputs via usb. It works fine on win xp but is limited to the one computer. I would like to setup a linux box that will route the connection to both a win xp desktop and my Mac iBook (wireless). I honesty dont know where to start.

I primarily want it to be stable internet connection router as this will be its main function. If possible i would also like to expand it to function as an NAS and possibly VPN.

If anyone could point me in the right direction i would really apreciate it.

Thanks alot
M

p.s. i know there are easier ways to share the internet conection from the win xp box to the laptop but i'd rather do it this way

This seems like a pretty easy thing to do in linux in general. There are several really simple distro's that will let you just install a firewall/router from a floppy or CD.

The only thing I see holding you back might be the adsl modem. If it only is available through USB, you'll need to check to make sure it's linux compatible. Generally ethernet is the way to go with high speed modems...

Here's a link to a howto for a freesco firewall/router. There are a lot more distro's too. Off the top of my head though, the only ones I can think of are shorewall, ipcop, and coyote.