I want to set a network at home, but I am very new to it...I need to learn some words first I guess

1)what ia a host (in a detailed sense)
2)what does iptable mean
3)what is DHCP
4)what is samba for, do I need to use it if I want to share files with a windows XP
5)what is /usr/sbin/filesharelist ?
6)what packages I need to install if want to establish a network as such:
two computer network connected each other via ethernet cable (no hubs) where my linux will be the gateaway for cable internet connection. The other OS is a windows XP. and file sharingbusiness is needed.

Thanks alot...

by the way, you may add more vocabulry to these, because I even don't know the words which are needed to be known for networking

I am sorry, I am brand newbie in this business

Well, I'll try to answer a few questions, but you should check out the various networking howtos at the Linux Documentation Project.
Simply put, a host is a computer on a network.
The iptables are a collection of rules that are applied to packets of data coming in or going out from a host on a network interface.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocal allows one host to control the parameters of a network such as IP addresses and the location of the name server.
Samba allows a Linux host to share files with a Windows host using the netbios protocol. Yes, you will need this.
I have never heard of it. Try running `man filesharelist' on your computer.
This is where I again refer you to the documents I mentioned above. In particular the Networking-Overview HOWTO, the IP-Masquerading HOWTO, the DHCP HOWTO, and the Home Networking HOWTO. If you start there, you will have a better understanding of how a network comes together and a better vocabulary with which to troubleshoot your network. Good luck!

thank you you all have been very helpful. I will try to go over to HOW-TO s.

hello friends,

I want to ask one question that iptables works at which

level. I mean at application level or at network level or at

transport layer.

Also if it works at kernel layer, so kernel works at which layer.


Want an answer quickly. plz..............

if you do a man iptables, you will notice that iptables runs at the kernel level. It basically sets rules for how packets will be handled, drop, pass-through to user space, accept them, return them,...

Most firewalls in Linux are simply a front end for iptables.

Kernel works on all layers up to transport. Iptables allows you to filter on attributes from network layer (IP address etc) and transport layer (source/destination port etc).

You'd be best off buying a cheap 4 port hub, otherwise you'll need a crossover ethernet cable, which is not the same as a std ethernet cable... also makes it easy to put other machines or a printer on the lan (instead of direct connect).