newbie DHCP & TCP questions

[Scott Frankel <leknarf@pacbell.net>]

I'm setting up a dual-boot Debian Linux | MacOS PowerBook.  It's connected
to a LinkSys Cable/DSL Router, supporting DHCP.  After configuring the router, 
the MacOS side works flawlessly.  But there's no joy yet on the linux side.

One thing that'd sure help would be to know how I can translate terms my ISP 
uses into the terms-fields used in /etc/network/interfaces.  i.e.:
      [...]
      network     --> ?
      broadcast   --> router address?
      gateway     --> name server addresses?

Would anyone have example /etc/network/interfaces syntax for configuring the
automagic of DHCP?  Under MacOS, all the TCP/IP settings are supplied by the
router.  How is that set up here?  Is there another script or file used to 
configure DHCP?

Once I get the DSL connection working under Debian Linux, my next task is
to find a package, XF86Config(?), so I can get my PowerBook's trackpad to work
under X.  Then maybe I can boot into one of Linux's graphical UI's ;)  

Thanks
Scott