Xubuntu comes with a graphical networking utility. Launch it with -> -> .
This tool will allow you to configure all aspects of your network connection - setting up DHCP, static IP addresses, configuring modem dialup, and more. It will also allow you to set up different profiles for use with a laptop. This is very convenient if you need location-dependent networking setups.
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You will need super-user privileges to run the Networking utility. See the section called “Root And Sudo”. |
This task is usually very simple. However, it requires a minimum of involvement on your part. Of course, you will need to have subscribed to an Internet Service Provider, and your Internet connection must be installed and functional.
There are several ways to connect to the Internet. Depending on what type of connection you have, you could have broadband (e.g. ADSL), dialup (e.g. a 56 kbit/s modem) or access to Internet directly, via your Local Area Network for instance.
Go to the following section corresponding to your type of connection.
If you have an ADSL or cable modem, there are several possibilities, depending on the type of modem.
If your modem connects to your PC with an ethernet network cable you probably want to set up a pppoe connection. However, nowadays many modems also integrate a router. In this case you should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. You may find extra help in the Local Area Network section below (if you configure the device via a web interface, it probably has an integrated router).
Prerequisites are:
A DSL account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Username and password for that account.
A DSL modem to which you connect using an Ethernet network card.
Your Ubuntu machine with its Ethernet card configured for DHCP.
Knowledge of installing packages with synaptic.
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Make sure that your ADSL connection has been activated by your ISP before starting this procedure. Generally there is a "DSL" light on your modem that is lit, indicating whether your connection is activated. |
Ubuntu by default installs the "pppoeconf" package. If you are not sure if you have it you can check by typing this in a terminal window:
dpkg -s pppoeconf
If it is not installed yet, do it yourself, following the hints in the section called “Adding, Removing and Updating Applications”.
Once you are sure that you have the package installed, it's time to configure your connection. Type in a terminal:
sudo pppoeconf
A text-based installer will take you through the setup. To manually connect using your configured setup, type:
pon dsl-provider
This is probably the most demanding type of modem to set up. USB is far from the ideal method for network access. If you have a modem that can connect both via USB and ethernet it will be best to use the ethernet connection.
If you have a USB modem, you should refer to https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UsbAdslModem
More support for installing a USB modem can be found at:
If you have a dialup connection, a 56 kbit/s or slower modem, you should refer to https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DialupModemHowto.
If you connect to the Internet via a Local Area Network (ethernet or wireless for example), the configuration depends entirely on your network.
Configuration information should be provided by your network administrator.
If you connect via a router on a home network, you should read the router's documentation.
You may have to configure the interface through which you connect to use DHCP (dynamic configuration, usually the default) or specify an IP address, default gateway and DNS server.
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You will need super-user privileges for this task. See the section called “Root And Sudo”. |
-> ->
Select the General tab. Enter the name of the computer in the Hostname field.
Click OK, close all open applications and log out and back in for the changes to take effect.