Basic internet setup guidelines?

lugoteehalt · #1 10-25-2009, 08:26 PM

I say boys and girls, how does one set up a basic internet thing?

Just signed up to a Virginbroadband connection and am using a Ubuntu live CD to write this. The Debian Lenny 5 won't work. I need someone's configuration files, or generally something very simple. Have absolutely no idea at all myself.

mrrangerman43 · #2 10-25-2009, 11:29 PM

Well you didn't say if you are using dynamic or static, Debian's default setup is dhcp so I'll guess that's what you are using.

First open a terminal window and su to root, then type the command ifconfig this will verify if all is well with your nic card. The output should look something like this.

Code:

eth0      Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 00:9c:42:i7:v3:gc  
          inet addr:192.168.1.100  Bcast:192.168.1.255  Mask:255.255.255.0
           UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1
          RX packets:143332 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
          TX packets:105806 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000 
          RX bytes:187480176 (178.7 MiB)  TX bytes:12149874 (11.5 MiB)
          Interrupt:221 Base address:0x6000 

lo        Link encap:Local Loopback  
          inet addr:127.0.0.1  Mask:255.0.0.0
          inet6 addr: ::1/128 Scope:Host
          UP LOOPBACK RUNNING  MTU:16436  Metric:1
          RX packets:10 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
          TX packets:10 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:0 
          RX bytes:660 (660.0 B)  TX bytes:660 (660.0 B)

If all is well you should see a ip-address listed for your eth0.
Next edit your /etc/resolv.conf file and make sure you have a nameserver entry, if you are using a router you can set your default gateway of the router as the nameserver. Something like this

Code:

nameserver 192.168.1.1

If your system connects right to the modem without a router, while booting to a live-cd check your /etc/resolv.conf file and note what the name server is and then use that. If on the other hand you are not getting a ip-address issued to your system then the problem more than likely is with your dhcp client.

lugoteehalt · #3 10-26-2009, 12:41 AM

Thanks mrrangerman43. Here is the Debian Lenny 5, the thing that does not work, /etc/resolv.conf and the output of ifconfig:

Code:

### BEGIN INFO
#
# Modified_by:  NetworkManager
# Process:      /usr/bin/NetworkManager
# Process_id:   3593
#
### END INFO


eth1      Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 00:2c:8c:1f:93:a7  
          inet addr:192.168.10.10  Bcast:192.168.10.255  Mask:255.255.255.0
          inet6 addr: fe80::41g:8cff:fe1f:91b1/64 Scope:Link
          UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1
          RX packets:5 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
          TX packets:28 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000 
          RX bytes:874 (874.0 B)  TX bytes:1003816 (980.2 KiB)
          Interrupt:21 Base address:0xa000 

lo        Link encap:Local Loopback  
          inet addr:127.0.0.1  Mask:255.0.0.0
          inet6 addr: ::1/128 Scope:Host
          UP LOOPBACK RUNNING  MTU:16436  Metric:1
          RX packets:198 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
          TX packets:198 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:0 
          RX bytes:13984 (13.6 KiB)  TX bytes:13984 (13.6 KiB)

Booted using the live Ubuntu CD and looked at its resolv.conf, it said:

Code:

nameserver xxx.xxx.x.xxx
nameserver xxx.xxx.y.xxx

(put in x's in case it's sensitive - no idea what I'm doing)

So added this to the Lenny 5 /etc/resolv.conf, rebooted same but it still did not work.

System connects right to the modem without a router, I think.

**JohnT** · #4 10-26-2009, 05:04 AM

I'm assume this a DSL connection???? I see no pppoe in your ifconfig output. You must start your pppoe connection.

mrrangerman43 · #5 10-26-2009, 06:44 AM

lugoteehalt

If you look at the output of ifconfig on your system the modem IS giving you a ip address, so dhcp is working. And you are getting a private ip-address so I'm guessing your modem has a built in router just like mine does.

Code:

eth1      Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 00:2c:8c:1f:93:a7  
          inet addr:192.168.10.10  Bcast:192.168.10.255  Mask:255.255.255.0

So I'm guessing this is a problem with the resolv.conf file, no putting all x's will not work, the resolv.conf file will either have a DNS entry or the Default Gateway entry. If you have any documentation on your modem it should show you what the Default gateway is. It will be the same ip address you enter in a webbrowser to make changes to your modem configuration. If you can't find this and you have a system running win-xp or any windows for that matter, connect the system to the modem then after booting up open a command terminal click Start > Run then enter cmd or command if you are using any windows older than xp. Once at the prompt type ipconfig /all look at the output write down the Default Gateway and the DNS Servers info. After you get that edit "as root" the Debian resolv.conf file and add the Default Gateway address first, save and exit then try that, if that doesn't work re-edit and change it to the DNS address.
NOTE: Only enter the address not the name Default Gateway or DNS so if the address was 192.168.10.1 your resolv.conf file will look like this.

Code:

nameserver 192.168.10.1

Edit: If your modem is as I think it is, if you buy a switch or hub (switch is better of the two) you can run more than one pc behind your modem.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Quote:

JohnT
I'm assume this a DSL connection???? I see no pppoe in your ifconfig output. You must start your pppoe connection.

Maybe you can clear this up for me, I have been running DSL for almost 3 years, I have never on any OS I've tried, had to mess with pppoe. Isn't pppoe used for a connection that the ISP wants its subscribers to always enter user name and passwd when starting a connection?

In every case with setting up other people I know DSL if a user name and passwd is required the modem its self retains any and all information entered. I've searched trying to find an answer and have had no luck. I've read on other forums people telling new linux users "well you must have ADSL or SDSL you'll need to use pppoe". And from what I have found the only difference in A-SDSL is the rate in which data is sent and recieved. Asymmetric (ADSL) data transmitted and received are at a different rate, where as Symmetric (SDSL) data transmitted and received are at the same rate.

Now I have had to use pppoe when setting up a dial up modem, but that's understandable the modem doesn't retain any information entered. And using dial up does require some program/way to enter username and passwd info with each connection. Now the OP stated that

Quote:

"Just signed up to a Virginbroadband connection and am using a Ubuntu live CD to write this."

They used a live cd and I doubt they had to enter or use pppoe to connect to the internet. Am I missing or doing something wrong??

lugoteehalt · #6 10-26-2009, 10:22 AM

Thanks both.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrrangerman43

lugoteehalt

If you look at the output of ifconfig on your system the modem IS giving you a ip address, so dhcp is working. And you are getting a private ip-address so I'm guessing your modem has a built in router just like mine does.

Code:

eth1      Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 00:2c:8c:1f:93:a7  
          inet addr:192.168.10.10  Bcast:192.168.10.255  Mask:255.255.255.0

The "inet addr:192.168.10.10" is the same address I gave the computer for the home network. So it cannot be the right one can it?

There is some data that looks internety with a menu on the digital tv that comes with the package. I'll see if that looks helpful.

Misled you with the xxx.xx.x.xxx stuff - did not put that in /etc/resolv.conf on the non-working Lenny but put in the same figures as from the working Ubuntu live CD. Only substituted x's because I'm paranoid about 'being hacked'.

I'll try and follow the advice, using the tv data, and repost. You are underestimating my ignorance.

lugoteehalt · #7 10-26-2009, 04:26 PM

Googled infinite number of threads like this which come to no conclusion, so for reference:

It does now do the internet.

I looked at /etc/network/interfaces and /etc/resolv.conf from the live Ubuntu CD - which worked, gave the internet - and simply commented out my own (my Lenny 5) corresponding files, and put in the Ubuntu ones.

Code:

Contents of /etc/resolv.conf on Ubuntu live CD:
nameserver 154.175.2.100
nameserver 154.175.4.100
Contents /etc/network/interfaces:
auto lo
iface lo inet loopback

auto eth1
iface eth1 inet dhcp

Output of the now working Lenny 5 ifconfig:
eth1      Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 00:7f:8c:1f:82:b2
          inet addr:71.21.74.40  Bcast:255.255.255.255  Mask:255.255.252.0
          inet6 addr: fe90::32e:8atf:f23f:94s2/64 Scope:Link
          UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1
          RX packets:1169 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
          TX packets:1299 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
          RX bytes:858641 (838.5 KiB)  TX bytes:256308 (250.3 KiB)
          Interrupt:21 Base address:0xa000

lo        Link encap:Local Loopback
          inet addr:127.0.0.1  Mask:255.0.0.0
          inet6 addr: ::1/128 Scope:Host
          UP LOOPBACK RUNNING  MTU:16436  Metric:1
          RX packets:96 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
          TX packets:96 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
          RX bytes:7064 (6.8 KiB)  TX bytes:7064 (6.8 KiB)

Oddly the computer has now decided that it cannot find the MySql database.

Great thanks. I'm very paranoid about viruses and so on - is there any simple tutorial or whatever that explains security on the internet. I know nothing about it and feel vunerable. Don't even know if I've got a firewall; people of the green planet: what is a firewall?

mrrangerman43 · #8 10-27-2009, 06:27 AM

Quote:

lugoteehalt

The "inet addr:192.168.10.10" is the same address I gave the computer for the home network.

Can you please list how your home network is set up, how many pc's, are you using a Hub, Router, Switch?

lugoteehalt · #9 10-27-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrrangerman43

Can you please list how your home network is set up, how many pc's, are you using a Hub, Router, Switch?

Was using a simple crossover cable, and moving it between PC's. The thing that virginmedia has used to connect to the cable comming out of the wall is referred to by virginmedia as a "cable modem". (The cable out of the wall plugs into it and an ethernet cable comes out of it into the back of the computer; it has an electricity supply from the mains.)

The thing is I have just removed the home network, for the time being, and just concentrated on getting an internet connection. I am happy with this for the time being. So, if sensible, let's forget about the home network.

Stress I know bugger all about the internet.

So what has happened is that a live Ubuntu CD got the internet: so ripped off its /etc/resolv.conf and /etc/internet/interfaces files and put them into lenny. That way Lenny now gets the internet.

So the problem now is: I do not even know if I have a firewall or anti-virus software, etc. etc.. Need some advice on internet security for cretins. How to get this? Easy way to set it up?? Great thanks for your help.

Err....for the time being is it safe to access the internet via the live Ubuntu CD?

**JohnT** · #10 10-27-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrrangerman43

Maybe you can clear this up for me, I have been running DSL for almost 3 years, I have never on any OS I've tried, had to mess with pppoe. Isn't pppoe used for a connection that the ISP wants its subscribers to always enter user name and passwd when starting a connection?

In every case with setting up other people I know DSL if a user name and passwd is required the modem its self retains any and all information entered. I've searched trying to find an answer and have had no luck. I've read on other forums people telling new linux users "well you must have ADSL or SDSL you'll need to use pppoe". And from what I have found the only difference in A-SDSL is the rate in which data is sent and recieved. Asymmetric (ADSL) data transmitted and received are at a different rate, where as Symmetric (SDSL) data transmitted and received are at the same rate.

Now I have had to use pppoe when setting up a dial up modem, but that's understandable the modem doesn't retain any information entered. And using dial up does require some program/way to enter username and passwd info with each connection. Now the OP stated that

They used a live cd and I doubt they had to enter or use pppoe to connect to the internet. Am I missing or doing something wrong??

PPPoE protocol is used to connect a DSL connection that uses a normal phone line.
PPP protocol is used to connect a dial-up modem connection that uses a normal phone line.

In your case cable connection is always on. Are you not provided with a static ip?

mrrangerman43 · #11 10-28-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

JohnT

PPPoE protocol is used to connect a DSL connection that uses a normal phone line.
PPP protocol is used to connect a dial-up modem connection that uses a normal phone line.

In your case cable connection is always on. Are you not provided with a static ip?

Thanks JohnT

My dsl is always on, and is connected to a standard phone line, and no, I don't have a static ip. I made a mistake by saying I used pppoe for setting up a modem, I think it was kppp I was using Mandrake with KDE at the time.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

lugoteehalt

There is a few different ways you can setup you home network, the easiest way would be to buy a router. A router will cost 50 - 70 US dollars.

MODEM---> ROUTER ===> PC's

Most routers will allow filtering and so work as a firewall plus they serve as a NAT (Network Address Translation) server. With a router in place your ISP issues your modem or the first device a ip address on the WAN (Wide Area Network) side of the router. Some routers label the WAN port Internet. Your router then in turn can be set up as a DHCP server (default on most home routers) so as you add PC's the router will issue each pc a ip address. Most will issue the addresses in a range from 192.168.1.100 - 200, you can change the range if you like.

The router also allows you to have pc's running on a Static ip address which is what you want for your MySql server.
In case you don't know, a Dynamic address means the address can change, the DHCP server may or may not issue the same address to the same PC each time you boot up. Where as a Static ip address will remain the same, which is what you want for a server of any kind.

I'm out of time right now, but later I will post some other ways you can setup a home network, but as I said a router would be the easiest.

PS: I wouldn't be to worried about anti virus on your linux system either.

lugoteehalt · #12 10-28-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrrangerman43

lugoteehalt

There is a few different ways you can setup you home network, the easiest way would be to buy a router. A router will cost 50 - 70 US dollars.

MODEM---> ROUTER ===> PC's

Most routers will allow filtering and so work as a firewall plus they serve as a NAT (Network Address Translation) server. With a router in place your ISP issues your modem or the first device a ip address on the WAN (Wide Area Network) side of the router. Some routers label the WAN port Internet. Your router then in turn can be set up as a DHCP server (default on most home routers) so as you add PC's the router will issue each pc a ip address. Most will issue the addresses in a range from 192.168.1.100 - 200, you can change the range if you like.

The router also allows you to have pc's running on a Static ip address which is what you want for your MySql server.
In case you don't know, a Dynamic address means the address can change, the DHCP server may or may not issue the same address to the same PC each time you boot up. Where as a Static ip address will remain the same, which is what you want for a server of any kind.

I'm out of time right now, but later I will post some other ways you can setup a home network, but as I said a router would be the easiest.

PS: I wouldn't be to worried about anti virus on your linux system either.

Thanks mrrangerman43. Already got a wireless router from the broadband provider. So have connected it in like you say: modem -> 'internet' port on router -> 'lan port 1' on router -> computer. It gives the internet.

The radio beakon light is on on the front of it. I'll go to their web site and try and switch it off - radio makes me nervous - and generally configure it.

Incidentally amoung the start up messages when the computer boots up is:

Code:

lo:  Disabling privacy extensions.

Anything to worry about?