Here are three options of how you can configure network for your Linux system:

• Static IP - Use a static IP address to configure Ethernet.
• DHCP - Use a dhcp server to configure Ethernet.
• Loopback - Setup a loopback connection.

Of course you are going to choose the DHCP here. Here is a simple descriptions for each network configuration. The static ip network setup means you provide a fixed ip address, netmask, gateway and domain name for your network card. Normally, a system administrator or your isp will provide that. The dhcp setup means a dhcp server will provides your Linux with an ip address. Of course you'll need a dhcp server information here. We'll see that in the next step. Finally, the loopback setup is normally used for standalone computer, no networking environment. But if you have a network through a serial modem or using a laptop network card, this is the right connection for you.