Now that I've got my cable modem working, I want to share the cost of with a neighbour who runs Windoze 98 and I want to use a wireless network.
I have a feeling that this process is going to push me close to madness but ... hey!

Just so I'm on the right track with my SuSE 7.3 box -
1) What are my first steps? Do I need to set up Samba to allow someone access to eth0?
2) What about linneighborhood?
3) And anything else?

I've never set up a Linux network before. All I want to allow my neighbour is access to the outside world.

Thanks. I can't believe the quality of advice I get on this site!!!!!

Just setup a masquerading firewall and forget about samba.
You can find many advices and scripts in other threds (ex. iptables scripts): serch in Linux-Security too.

If you want to larn take a look to http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...threadid=19297
... it's _GREAT_!!

If you want just a ready to use script http://orbital.wiretapped.net/~technion/ is good and not too criptic.

just as a side question - how can I tell if my firewall is working? Apart from finding soemone inside my box? Is there a simple test? I remember testing my W98 pc at zonelabs.com - is there a site that'll check out the security of my box?

Thanks

When you connect to internet trougth a firwalling router any test comeing from the internet test the firewall on your router, not your pc.
Testing a firewall can be done at different levels and at higher level it's the job of some security company.
For your need any site offering free limited port scan (as zonelabs or grc.com).
If you have a friend with some experience you can ask him to perform a more accurated port scan and security check.
Anyway many simple scripts that you can find on the web are much better than a personal firewall

for example?

If you need a free port scan go to http://grc.com and follow some links about ShildsUp and ProbeMyPorts. It probes only some ports but it's a good firt step:

If you need a free personal firewall (no need with a firewall on your router if you trust your local network) I think there was a link at the same site but I don't remember.