Helping Friend Install Remotely.

[HydroSan]

I need a bit of suggestion helping my friend convert from WindowsXP to Linux. He liked Mandrake back when he tried Linux a few months ago, but wasn't impressed by the nasty RPM files getting in the way. So today he asked again what distro he should use. I recommended Gentoo, but he wasn't sure if he could get the installation done himself.

So I'm already aware that SSH is on the LiveCD and have a good idea how to use it. But what HE needs to do first is:

1. Get on the internet. He has a cable modem with a static IP, but I'm unsure if there is anything he needs to do to get it online aside from throwing the CD in. He says that he doesn't need to connect manually at all, so I'm guessing the cablemodem is also a half-router that supports DHCP. Any ideas?
2. Get SSH running. Is there anything I need to do aside from him changing the password and /etc/init.d/ssh start?

I just want to make sure this is a painless and pleasant switch for him.
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I was a Gangster for Capitalism, by Major General Smedley Butler.

Server status: Currently down, being replaced with fresh install - 20% completed.

[NeddySeagoon]

HydroSan,

I've done a few remote installs. After networking is up, its just as you describe.
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Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.

[HydroSan]

Yes, thanks. Am currently SSH'd into the server and doing a Stage1 on his Pentium4. Here's hoping for success.
_________________
I was a Gangster for Capitalism, by Major General Smedley Butler.

Server status: Currently down, being replaced with fresh install - 20% completed.