Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4: Red Hat Enterprise Linux Step By Step Guide
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# 5.2. Creating a Dial-Up Connection

A dial-up connection requires your computer's modem to dial a phone number that connects to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your computer may have a modem built in, or you may have to use a modem card if your system is a laptop.

| Note
| If your computer has a software-based modem such as WinModem, you may not be able to use it in Linux.

To create a new modem connection:

1. From the Applications (the main menu on the panel) menu, choose System Tools => Internet Configuration Wizard.

2. A window opens requesting your root password. Enter it and click OK.

3. The Add new Device Type window opens.

4. The left pane lists each of the possible connections. Choose Modem connection and click the Forward button.

5. Red Hat Enterprise Linux probes for a working modem installed on your computer. If it does not find one, make sure that you have a hardware modem, and that it is installed correctly.

6. The next screen contains three drop-down boxes.

   - Modem Device — This menu lists all modems installed on your system. Select the correct modem for this connection.

   - Baud Rate — Select the speed of your modem. This list is in bytes: a 56.6K modem is listed as 56700.

   - Flow Control — Select Hardware if your modem is a hardware device installed on your system.

   When finished making your selections, click the Forward button.

7. The next screen requires information about your ISP. For users in the United States, type the correct information in each field:

   - Prefix — Enter any prefix necessary to reach your access number. This might be "1" if the call is long distance, or "9" to reach an outside line.

   - Area Code — Enter the area code of your access number, if necessary.

   - Phone Number — Enter the access number for your ISP. Do not enter "dashes" in the number.

   - Provider Name — Enter the name of your ISP.

   - Login Name — Enter the login your ISP has given you.

   - Password — Enter the password for your account.

   Finally, click the Forward button.

8. On the next screen, select whether your system must automatically obtain your IP address settings or whether your system must use the same IP address every time you connect. To use the same address every time, enter the address your ISP gave you into the Manual IP Address Settings fields. Click the Forward button to continue.

9. The final screen is a summary of the values you have entered. Review them to be sure that all settings are correct. Click the Apply button to create your new connection.

10. The Network Configuration screen appears, showing your new connection along with a list of all other connections on your machine.

11. Test your new connection by clicking the Activate button. If your connection works, go to File => Save from the Network Configuration main toolbar, then exit the application. If your connection does not work, click the Edit button to change the settings.

To access your connection later, select Applications (the main menu on the panel) => System Settings => Network. The Network Configuration window opens. Select the appropriate connection and click Activate.

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