Hi , am new to Linux , willing to learn , I started with dos3.2 ,many years ago,
now its Linux turn , have loaded Mandriva 2009 on clean drive ,
it connects to my dsl line , says all ok , but I cannot use firefox or get update , says no connection , how do I configure ,cant find Drak to configure , or just plain HEELP MEEEEEEE.Am using adsl router into ethernet card (seems ok), Is there an indicator showing connection , also
ive lost my toolbar at the bottom:, I removed it , thinking it would return on startup. , how do I get it back ., well its a start.

post the output of /sbin/ifconfig command

What is that and where do ifind it , Please remember I dont know Linux at all , not even the definitions make sense to me.

do u know the command prompt?

you will get it by opening the terminal

Have now wiped the disc , reloaded xp 45 minutes reloaded dsl 7 minutes , and am back on the road with no problems , and everything works , BYE BYE Linux

Should have added for now!I need more time during the day to fiddle , I like the system , ive always used open office , firefox and thunderbird , but firefox just refuses to connect ,
I need my emails daily , where can I get literature on how the system operates and the terminology that is used , I cant even find the directories ,dsl connection is easy no problem , but I cant get the software to see the connection , ie where do you set youre dialup info to your ISP , my provider says sorry cant help .
did it in networking but it didnt help.For me to reload and fiddle is no problem , but I must have my emails,