Learning Red Hat Linux, Third Edition

Chapter 10. Connecting to the Internet

This chapter explains how to use Red Hat Linux to connect to the Internet via a telephone dialup, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), Ethernet, or wireless connection. First, it provides an overview of networking and explains how to use the Network Administration Tool, an X-based program that makes it easy to connect to the Internet via an Internet service provider (ISP). The chapter also explains how to use wvdial , a program that can establish a telephone dialup connection to the Internet but doesn’t require X. Next, the chapter describes several popular network client applications available under Linux, including the Mozilla web browser, the Ximian Evolution email client, and a graphical FTP client. Finally, the chapter gives some tips on how to configure Linux to work with your cable or DSL modem if the Network Administration Tool is unable to do so.

Networking Overview

Most computers today handle network traffic much as the post office handles mail. Think, for example, of the steps involved in sending and receiving a letter. Your postal carrier must know where to drop off and where to pick up mail. So your home must have some kind of recognizable interface; we call this a mailbox. And whereas your postal carrier may know your neighborhood quite well, delivery in other areas will require other carriers. Mail is passed to these other carriers through a gateway; we call this the post office. Although ...