Before connecting to the Internet, you are encouraged to first setup a firewall on your machine to avoid bad surprises such as intrusions to your system. You can setup a very simple, yet effective, firewall using DrakFirewall (please refer to the section called “DrakFirewall: Securing your Internet Access”, for more information).
Your Mandrake Linux system contains a tool which allows easy Internet services configuration. It also helps you configuring your local network accesses if any. To launch drakconnect, first open Mandrake Control Center and click on Network & Internet, then on DrakConnect. A view of the main interface is shown in Figure 18.1.
Let's review the different elements available:
Profile combo box: if your machine is likely to be connected to different environments (typically a laptop moving from a modem connection at home to a LAN at the office), you can choose the appropriate profile here.
: to create a new connection profile. You then have to configure it with the connection wizard.
Hostname shows the current local full host name. You can change it by clicking on the button.
The button allows you to quickly change your Internet access parameters, without using the wizard.
or This button allows you to control your connection's state. Useful for non-permanent network accesses (i.e.: with a traditional modem).
: This button allows you to configure all the connection parameters used for each of the network cards present on your machine. Ask your network administrator about the needed parameters.
Once you launch the configuration wizard, you will get a screen asking you whether you wish to auto-detect the network interfaces. Click on the button to proceed with auto-detection. The wizard will then perform some tests to detect the network devices available on your machine.
If you notice any problems after selecting auto-detection of the network devices, you will need to return to this screen and select and then configure these interfaces manually.
Then a list of the possible connection types (see Figure 18.2) will be displayed, from which the detected devices may be selected. If you have an additional connection which has not been detected, you can now manually select it for later configuration. Then, click on , and you will be taken to the connection-specific configuration wizards.
We will now take an example with a traditional modem connection. Other connection types are not documented here but are very similar. Always make sure you have all the information provided by your ISP or network administrator at hand.
Fill all required fields with the parameters provided by your Internet Service Provider. Depending on the connection type chosen, the parameters may differ.
Then come some optional steps depending on the type of connection you are configuring. If it is a permanent connection like ADSL or cable, you will be asked whether you wish to activate it at boot time.
You can now test your Internet configuration to ensure it actually works. It is advisable to do so, so that you can correct possible errors right away.
After the configuration is done, you can bring the Internet connection up or down by using the main dialog's button (see Figure 18.1).