Network and Internet Connection Management

[Tip]Tip

Before connecting to the Internet, you are encouraged to setup a firewall on your machine first so as 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 Mandrakelinux system contains a tool which allows easy Internet services configuration. It also helps you to configure your local network access if any. To launch drakconnect, first open Mandrakelinux Control Center and click on Network & Internet. Here, five tools allow you to configure and maintain network connections. A view of the main interface is shown in Figure 4.1, “Connecting to the Internet”.

Figure 4.1. Connecting to the Internet

Connecting to the Internet

New Connection

drakconnect supports different types of Internet and network connections. The first step consists of choosing which type of connection you wish to use (see Figure 4.2, “Choosing the Internet Connections to Configure”).

Figure 4.2. Choosing the Internet Connections to Configure

Choosing the Internet Connections to Configure

Then a list of detected devices is shown. Choose the one you wish to configure and follow the wizard to its end. If the device you wish to configure has not been automatically detected, select the Manual choice box.

[Note]Note

The example will show how to setup a “traditional” (dial-up) 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 4.3. Configuring the Network Connection

Configuring the Network Connection

Fill all required fields with the parameters provided by your Internet Service Provider (see Figure 4.3, “Configuring the Network Connection”). Depending on the connection type chosen, the parameters may differ.

Then come some optional steps depending on the type of connection you are configuring. You will be asked whether you wish to activate the network connection at boot time.

Finally, the last step asks if you wish to test your network configuration to ensure it actually works. It is advisable to do so, to be able to correct any errors immediately.

After the configuration is done, you can bring the network connection up or down as described in the section called “Monitor Connections”.

[Warning]Warning

If you have modified the machine's host name during configuration, you should now logout from your session and login again.

Internet Access

Figure 4.4. Configuring the Internet Access

Configuring the Internet Access

This allows you to specify Internet access parameters if they need to be modified after initial configuration. These parameters are system wide and apply to all interfaces. If needed, the gateway address may be modified as described in the section called “Manage Connections”.

Manage Connections

Figure 4.5. Manage network connections

Manage network connections

This interface allows you to modify interface-specific parameters. Use the drop-down list at the top to select the interface to be configured. Three tabs allow you to change the TCP/IP parameters, set up some Options, and display interface Information.

Monitor Connections

This interface shows the activity of the network interfaces. It can also be used to control the status of the network connection, bringing it up or down.

Remove a Connection

This tool simply allows you to remove a connection's configuration parameters.