Your Mandrake Linux system contains a tool which allows easy Internet services configuration. It also helps you connect to the Internet in a few different ways. To launch it, first open Control Center and click on Network & Internet, then on Connection. Here is a look at the main interface (figure 12-1):
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 from LAN at the office), you can choose here the correct profile.
Del profile: to suppress the selected profile.
New profile: to create a new connection profile. You will then have to configure it with the connection wizard.
Disconnect or Connect button: for non-permanent accesses, allows you to control the state of your connection.
Configure: launch the configuration wizard described below.
Expert Mode: non documented, allows to you configure access without using the wizard.
OK: validates choices and exits the application.
Apply: validates choices without exiting the application.
Cancel: exits the application and discards all modifications.
Here are some words about the Internet access configuration wizard. You will get a screen asking whether you wish to detect interfaces (say no if you notice any problem after clicking on yes), and then the list of available connection types.
You will be then presented with a list of detected devices (figure 12-1) where you can check the box(es) corresponding to the connection types you wish to configure. Click then OK, and you will go to the configuration dialog.
Fill all required fields with the parameters provided by your Internet service provider. Depending on the connection type chosen, the parameters may differ.
You are then asked whether you want to automatically bring the Internet connection up at each boot time. Choose Yes only for flat rate Internet connections like DSL.
You can then test your Internet configuration to ensure it actually works. It is advisable to do so, so that you can correct possible errors right now.
After the configuration is done, you can bring the Internet connection up and down by using the Connect/Disconnect buttons of the main dialog (figure 12-1).