I need to know how to use these windows commands under linux and why/how some of them work a little differently.

ipconfig /all
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
tracert
net view (I think net would involve Samba but I'm asking anyway)
net use

What I've got from google is,
ipconfig = ifconfig
tracert = traceroute

A few questions though,
1) Why is it called ifconfig? ipconfig stands for Internet Protocol Configuration so it makes sense.
2) tracert google.ca works. traceroute google.ca makes it to my router but not to my ISP's router. So it doesn't work.
3) Why do I have to be root to use these tools?

Q. Why is it called ifconfig?
A. Because you are configuring an interface and several interfaces can connect to the internet

Q. tracert google.ca works. traceroute google.ca makes it to my router but not to my ISP's router. So it doesn't work.
A. Check and see if you have /etc/resolv.conf set up properly for nameservers. Mine for an example:Q.Why do I have to be root to use these tools?
A. It's administering your system. Of course, you can give users permission to do things.

Rute User's Tutorial and Exposition

# Mandrake links
Mandrake home page
Mandrake Users website
Easy urpmi config for Mandrake
urpmi mini-HOWTO
Easy software management: Red Carpet
Maximum RPM
rpmfind
You didn't install the developmental packages? As root, command:
urpmi gcc
An Introduction to the Midnight Commander. You can install it by commanding:
urpmi mc
Midnight Commander home page

Thank you very much. One more thing though. How do I release and renew my dhcp configuration?

Would that entail taking the interface down and bringing it back up?

Try these commands and see if they do the job:

ifdown eth0
ifup eth0

perfect. Thanks