I have just installed mandrake linux 9.1, this is my first time every using it so i am not very firmiliar with its interface. I have been try to configure it to connect to the internet but it isn't working. I have cable internet and am running it through a router and i need help! please help me!

Thanks
Matt

hmm, have you tried configuring using dhcp?
post the output of 'ifconfig' here
use netconfig if necessary

also what hardare are you using? ive found mandrake to be good with auto detecting so if your setting up a network in 9.1 its pretty safe to just do everything auto then when it asks for the type of connection say LAN then leave everything else blank

Hi imkrazysk8er123,

Welcome to the wonderful world of linux. Mandrake is a great choice too. Your question is a very, very common one. Have you searched through the advice given to others in these forums? My suggestion would be to start with this thread and look here and here.

Good luck!

Hi Matt. You'll need to be much more specific to get good answers. What network card do you have?

I usually start solving a problem by heading to www.google.com/groups. Search for 'linux [your network card], '[your distribution] [your network card]', and stuff like that. If you have a common problem, odds are it's been discussed on Usenet and you'll find the answer at Google Groups.

Also post that information here. Are you using Mandrake Control Center? What happens when you try to connect? etc...

A good start would be to reboot your computer and go into the BIOS. (Usually you hit ESC or F2 during boot to do this.) Find where it says 'PLUG AND PLAY OS.' (Probably under 'Advanced.') Set this option to NO or NON-PLUG&PLAY. Then try to connect.

Rre you using the Mandrake Control Center network setup wizard? That should be all you have to do.

As long as you installed a DHCP client and have the router set up to do DHCP, it shoudl all be done. Unless your specific network card is a problem. Which network card are you using?

im useing a VIA PCI 10/100mb fast ethernet adapter

Can you ping external webpages? Can you ping the loop back adapter 127.0.0.1 ? Can you ping the router?

no i don't think i can. If i would be able to where would it say it?

Heh.. Guess I better explain.

ping is a utility you run from the command line, aka console that basically just reports the time it takes to send a packet of info and get a responce from system.

It is used to detect latency {aka delay} problems on the netowrk primarily, but in this case I am tryig to use it to tell if TCP is initilized and have you made a sucessful connection to your ISP. Assuming the router has connected, my suspicion is the ethernet card has not initilized and obtained an Ip address through DHCP correctly. Why is antoher issue. but first thing first. I have had a similar situation myslef, the cause was a BIOS/CMOS setting titles Plug n Play OS, set this to FALSE or OFF if you have one, {consult your manual, as its usually not easy to locate in the BIOS menus}.

thanks.. i got another response about the plug & play OS setting in BIOS but i could not figure out how to get into the BIOS could you please tell me how thanks

Depends on your specific motherboard or OEM PC, shoudl be in the manual, but the FAILSAFE way is usully hold down any key on the keyboard from teh moment you turn the powerbutton on until the moemnt you get an error message, it usually is something like an keyboard error has been detected would you like to continue or go to setup. Select go to setup and this is the BIOS/CMOS config menu. Do not change anything you are not certain of though.