use of pptp client to access vpn
 

Hey Guys,

I do hope some of you folks would help me out.

I run a Debian (woody) box and need to connect to an anonymous proxy provider via a vpn. I am a newbie and realized I needed a VPN client to connect to their VPN server. I looked at poptop and downloaded pptp client and installed it. Now, I have configured it as is mentioned and I am trying to connect..but, am facing a wall.

My problems include
1. I am not sure if I am even connecting to their server - the pptp documentation says to use 'pon $TUNNEL'. I do that and there is no message. No comment.. no error - however, when I do ifconfig ppp0, it does not return an IP address. I assume I am not connecting properly then.

2. Here is the confusion - I know I needed pptp client.. why do I need ppp &... pppd &... ppptd. I realize these are newbie issues.. but, if you can explain this, that would be of immense help.

3. I need to figure out routing. - The connection is to serve as access to a web proxy. So, I need to route all outgoing traffic onto the tunnel. How do I do that?

I would be really grateful to anyone who responds. Thanks guys.

Krish