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 17-1):
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.
: to suppress the selected profile.
: to create a new connection profile. You will then have to configure it with the connection wizard.
or button: for non-permanent accesses (like with a traditional modem), allows you to control the state of your connection.
: launch the configuration wizard described below.
: non documented, allows to you configure access without using the wizard.
: validates choices and exits the application.
: validates choices without exiting the application.
: exits the application and discards all modifications.
Here are some words about the Internet access configuration wizard. On launching it, you will first get a screen asking whether you wish to detect interfaces (say
if you notice any problem after clicking on ). Then some tests will be performed to detect the network devices available on your machine.You are then presented with a list of possible connection types (figure 17-1) on which the detected devices have been selected. If you have an additional connection which has not been detected, you can now manually slect it to configure it later on. Click then , and you will go to the configuration dialog.
![]() | 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 to have all the information provided by your ISP 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 notably asked whether you wish to activate it a boot time or not.
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 figure 17-1).
buttons of the main dialog (