ppp/local networking

[Russell T. Brunet]

Hi all!

I'm trying to configure my local network on my yellowdog G4. I am also
trying to connect to the internet via ppp. Let's talk about ppp first.

My isp is earthlink and I can connect to it fine using os X, 9.2, and
RedHat on my pentium II. I tried to copy my settings from the RedHat
machine and I am having all kinds of problems. First, I can connect fine.
The modem works great, I can hear it dial, it connects and brings up a
status menu in the kde panel (btw, I'm connecting using kppp). Once
connected I try to use a tcp/ip application and I cannot get any address to
resolve. I use nslookup in the terminal and I get errors. I try to ping
yahoo and I get errors. Occasionally if I fart around with things for a
while, I am able to get connected and everything is hunkydory. After I
restart, though, it's back to the drawing board. I did just notice that
when I try to enter any dns addresses in the network configuration panel
and save them, none of them are there when I reopen the network config
panel.

Again, I have no problem whatsoever on my RedHat box, and I'm using all of
the same settings.

Ok, now on to my second question which may be related. I want to be able to
send files back and forth between my RedHat box and my YellowDog box. How
do I set up a standalone self-contained network using a crossover cable
between the two computers?

Thank in advance for any help you can provide,

Russell