Learning Red Hat Linux, Third Edition

Configuring an Internet Connection

The Red Hat Linux Network Administration Tool simplifies configuration of your system to access the Internet via a telephone dialup, ISDN, DSL, Ethernet, or wireless connection. The Network Administration Tool requires you to follow a three-step process:

1. Set up the hardware device associated with the connection.

2. Specify DNS settings and hostnames.

3. Activate the device, if necessary.

The following subsections explain how to perform these steps.

Tip

The Network Administration tool supports all these methods of connecting to the Internet. However, some hardware devices are not compatible with Red Hat Linux. And, some Internet service providers insist that their customers use only Windows. In either case, you can experience difficulties in connecting to the Internet. The final section of this chapter explains some means of last resort that might help you resolve problems.

Setting Up Hardware Devices

In the past, most computer users connected to the Internet via a POTS (plain old telephone service) dial-up modem. However, today, many means of connecting to the Internet are available. For example, many home computer users have high-speed connections using ISDN or DSL. Corporate computer users often connect to the Internet via a their local area network, using an Ethernet adapter. And wireless network adapters are becoming quite popular.

To set up a hardware device using the Network Administration Tool, login as root and choose System Settings → Network from ...