eth0 and eth1 question
 

I'm using Fedora Core 4 and have a question about 2 network cards.

The network card which is eth1, is the one I would like to use automatically. Right now, I have to go into "Network" and "Activate" eth1 manually and it works fine.

I don't have a network cable plugged into eth0, because I don't want to use that card.

other info:
The connection I want to use is on my motherboard and right now is eth1.
The other nic is a card and right now is eth0.


How can I change this so it will automatically detect the right connection every time?

Obvious simple solution is to remove the card you dont use.

Beyond that you have to edit certain network files, which can be messy.

Okay, I'll remove the card.
Boy, I never can get away with being lazy, heh.

Thanks for the response!

I use the 'system-config-network' program which gives you a nice GUI to do this. Just select your ethernet card and then click the big Edit button at the top. In the edit window, you should see "Activate device when computer starts". Just check or uncheck the box accordingly. Then hit OK and then File -> Save.

I know those aren't very good directions so let me know if you have any questions.

Edit /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0 & /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth1, as root or better yet with sudo;

# Set the value for;
ONBOOT=no # For eth0
and
ONBOOT=yes # For eth1


An easy way to start and stop an interface, instead of going through the GUI. Open a terminal and do:
sudo /sbin/ifconfig eth0 down
or
sudo /sbin/ifconfig eth1 up
man ifconfig

I would suggest you take a peek at the following files. They all pertain to network configuration on your computer.

/etc/hosts
man hosts
/etc/resolv.conf
man 5 resovler
/etc/sysconfig/network
/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0
/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth1 # Might not exist if you only have one interface.

When using the GUI interface for changing network settings. Most of the time, these will be the effected files. Remember... as long as you have console access, don't be affraid to play around with the settings. If you break it, it can always be fixed. I recomend making backup copies of these files if you are going to edit them.

-- Ian