Linux includes a network configuration tool that enables you to configure various network interfaces on your system for TCP/IP networking. You can run the network configuration tool to add a new network interface or to alter information such as name servers and hostnames. Log in as root and from the GNOME desktop, select Main Menu>Programs>System>Network Configuration to run the Network Configuration tool. The Network Configuration tool displays a tabbed dialog box
Devices: Lets you add a new network interface, specify the IP address of the interface, and activate the interface. This information is stored in various files in the /etc/sysconfig directory. Hardware: Lets you add a new hardware device such as an Ethernet card, modem, or an ISDN device. You can then provide information such as interrupt request (IRQ) and I/O port numbers, and DMA channels for the device. DNS: Lets you enter the hostname for your system and the IP addresses of name servers. The name server addresses are stored in the /etc/resolv.conf file. The host name is stored in the HOSTNAME variable in the /etc/sysconfig/ network file. Hosts: Shows you the current contents of the /etc/hosts file and lets you add, remove, or edit entries.
To configure the network interfaces, you need to assign IP addresses to each interface. If you are running a private network, you may use IP addresses in the range 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255