SuSE adds value by providing tools, bundled in with Linux on the CD set that they sell. For a new user downloading, building and configuring Linux from the Web would be a formidable task. Companies like SuSE create programs like yast2 to simplify installation and configuration of Linux. They package the tools and Linux, along with advocacy and promotion to make a small profit and grow their business. Using tools provided by SuSE and others certainly makes installation and configuration of a Linux system much easier for the new user. For the experienced user, the tools can be a real time saver.

It's possible to install and configure DHCP by editing files at the command line. Why not get your machine running, using yast2 and then go back and figure out the nuts and bolts (explore the necessary text files and scripts) when you have time.

Also, installing DHCP using yast2 implies that it was not selected when SuSE 8.0 was initially installed. DHCP client support is normally included when you initially install a version of Linux.

To install the DHCP client software on your SuSE 8.0 machine use the following steps.

1. From the task bar or an xterm start up yast2.
2. Click on "Yast2 modules".
3. Select "Software".
4. Select "Install/remove software".
5. Select "search" on the package selection screen.
6. Search on the term dhcp.
7. In the serach results screen, if dhcpcd has an i in the first column, then the DHCP client is already installed. Go on to the configuration steps below.
8. If dhcpcd is blank, highlight that line and then click on the Select/deselect button to get an i in the first column.
9. Also select dhcp-tools by highlighting that line and clicking on the Select/deselect button as well.
10. Finally, click on the OK button to finish the installation.

Once the software is installed you can configure the DHCP client software on your SuSE 8.0 machine by following these steps.

1. From the task bar or an xterm start up yast2.
2. Select "Yast2 modules".
3. Select "Network/Basic".
4. Select "Network card configuration".
5. Under the "Already Configured" panel click on the Edit button.
6. Highlight the ethernet device (probably eth0) and click on the Edit button.
7. On the Network Address setup screen click on the Automatic address setup (via DHCP) button.
8. If you'd like to set your hostname and dns server names click on the Host and name server button.
9. If you'd like to set the routing (gateway) address click on the Routing button. This is necessary when you are behind a firewall, such as a cable/dsl router appliance.
10. Click on the Next button.
11. Click on the Finish button.

Yast2 will shutdown and restart the network services. Assuming that there is a DHCP server on your LAN (either a Linux DHCP or some type of router device), you should now have a dynamically assigned IP address.

Next: Wrapping Up »