Re: newbie here - system administration question

[Jeff D <fixedored@gmail.com>]

On Thu, 9 Aug 2007, Per olof Ljungmark wrote:

> Jeff D wrote:
> > On Thu, 9 Aug 2007, Per olof Ljungmark wrote:
> >
> > > Hi debianites,
> > >
> > > I am a complete beginner with Debian and need a little help to get going. 
> > > Specifically, I wonder how you configure the system (not installed 
> > > software), things like the network, users, logging etc.
> > >
> > > Coming from BSD where a lot of things are in .conf files under /etc I have 
> > > a problem understanding where Linux puts stuff.
> > >
> > > For instance: When I installed the system the installer choose DHCP 
> > > configuration without asking - I need a fixed IP. Looking in /etc, I see 
> > > /etc/network/iface, is it here I fix that? Or is there some central 
> > > utility that writes out conf files? What is the syntax for this file?
> > > man iface
> > > man network
> > > gives me nothing.
> > >
> > > This is Linux debian 2.6.18-4-686 #1 SMP, command line only (server 
> > > enviroment).
> > >
> > > Thanks a lot!
> > >
> > > Per olof
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> >
> > man interfaces should give you more info.
> >
> > Interface information is usually kept in /etc/network/interfaces though, 
> > so, I'm a little confused as to the iface, so hopefully that manpage will 
> > be there.
>
> Sorry, my error, it was *interfaces*.
> Where except on the local machine can I find Debian man pages?
> http://manpages.debian.net/
> is not very informative I'm afraid...

Hm, I dunno where to find man pages online for debian, I alway have them 
on my machines.  Here is some good reference material though:
http://wiki.debian.org/NetworkConfiguration

but basically the syntax is this:
auto eth0
iface eth0 inet static
        address x.x.x.167
        netmask 255.255.255.0
        broadcast x.x.x.255
        gateway x.x.x.1


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