DrakConnect: Configuring Network and Internet Connections

Tip

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.

Figure 18.1. Connecting to the Internet

Connecting to the Internet

Let's review the different elements available:

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 Yes 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 No and then configure these interfaces manually.

Figure 18.2. Choosing the Internet Connections to Configure

Choosing the Internet Connections to Configure

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 Next ->, and you will be taken to the connection-specific configuration wizards.

Note

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.

Figure 18.3. Configuring the Internet Connection

Configuring the Internet Connection

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.

Figure 18.4. Try the Internet Connection

Try the Internet Connection

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 Connect/Disconnect button (see Figure 18.1).