I recently installed slack 10 and I don't know how to configure the machine to access the internet. I've tried using vi but I don't know any of the commands. back when I was using mdk9.2, there was no problem connecting to the internet, I actually miss the MCC usability.

I would like to know what I need to edit and how.

try running netconfig as root first to see if that will work

I've tried that, all it asks for is host name, host domain, and dhcp host name. It doesn't ask for the default gateway or the netmask. I'm set up for dynamic IP so I didn't choose static IP.

in DHCP setup, default gateway and netmask and dns are provided by the dhcp server.

If you insist in setting your default gateway. I don't think it will be of much help in dhcp setup, here is how:
you can used vi if you like it or whatever text editor you like. At the end of the file, there is a default gateway field. And again I reiterate. I don't think that is your problem.

How are you connected to the Internet?
dsl?
cable?
lan(corporate,campus, some other network?)
dial-up?
satelilte?
wi-fi?

I connect to my cable modem through a hub... my ISP told me that everything should be detected automatically, then again, my ISP doesn't provide tech support for Linux but that's what Jeff(tech support) said.

I don't have cable modem and no experience with it. I am making an assumption here. That once you plug your ethernet cable between your cable modem and your nic. And dhcp request the IP. It will be setup already. If that is the case then do this:

1. netconfig (choose dhcp) ; you would have already done so.
2. cd /etc/rc.d
3. ./rc.inet1 start #this execute the network configuration script.
4. ping www.google.com
if you get ping reply, congratulations.

Thanks everyone, this message comes from Slackware 10. I'm not sure how it worked, I just did the same crap I tried all afternoon (netconfig, ifconfig, check for connection).
Slackware is a learning experience, thanks for the lession.

Everytime you do a netconfig, the changes to your setup is not implemented till you go to /etc/rc.d
and run the rc.inet1 script by:

./rc.inet1 stop
./rc.inet1 start

See, didn't need MCC after all.

Once you wean yourself away from point and click, it all becomes clear and easy. But having said that, Slackware isn't for everyone. Give yourself at least a month on Slackware. When you get over the hump, you'll be here giving advise.

netconfig works great, and cc is right about inet1 stop/start after changes.

vi advise: I think vi links to elvis. Use "vim" (improved) and the vimtutor. Docs on the disk. For now, put in your ~/.vimrc file:
set nocompatible
set ruler
This is a good starting point until you learn more. And I _recommend_ learning vi (vim), as it comes on pretty much all *nix. Also, type gvim (needs X) for the gui frontend which shows vim commands in the menu as a learning tool.