Hi I've just installed mandrive 2007 on my second computer, I'm now trying to get it onto the net, i've tried to let it do it automaticly but it hasn't worked. Now when the Mandriva tries to connect the first computer loses the internet connection, the first computer is running windows xp and uses seimens speedstream connected to it and is connected to a hub ,I'm using a fast ethernet adaptor in the Mandriva computer and it is connected to the hub which is a ethernet mini switch. but thats all i know, could some one please tell me step by step what i need to do as this is the first time i've used any linux. I hope this is enough informating for you

thanx

Please correct me if i'm wrong but it sounds like you have a high speed internet connection (probably something like cablemodem). You have a cable coming out of your cablemodem or DSL modem and its connected to a little 4 port switch.

You then have the 2 PCs connected to the switch.

When you boot one of the machines it kicks the other machine off and vice versa.

If this is correct then the solution would be to buy a DSL router. The DSL router would replace your switch. Your PCs would then connect to your DSL router instead.

This will allow both machines to share the internet connection rather than fighting over it.

Does this sound right to you?

Your partly right the first computer gets kicked off , but the Mandriva computer still cant connect to the internet, even though it has kicked off the first computer, i must need to put in a driver maybe or change a setting i'm not sure what i need to do. hope you can help

Of course they both cease to connect because both of them are fighting to connect and neither will allow the other. (Its like two people screaming into a phone and neither can understand the other).

I'm confident that unless you have a router that includes a built in DHCP server routing traffic for you then you will never get these machines to connect at the same time.

Here is a link to one if you're running low on cash. Its $16 from frys.com. If you want to spend a bit more money then look for any Netgear, Linksys or DLink router. This one happens to include wifi access so if you don't need it then disable it.

http://shop2.outpost.com/%7BSVF0S6uW...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Hope this helps.

Could you provide more information on what your equipment is. (Such as the Siemens model number) Is the Siemens speedstream an external device or a modem on a card. Does it provide just one port? Does it provide a DHCP server on the LAN side, or does it supply an internet address? There is a difference between a hub and a switch.

If the Siemens is a dsl modem but doesn't supply NAT, then you either need to add a nat router, or have the connected computer share its internet connection. Either the XP or Mandriva can do that.