[ILUG] Help with Networking

[Tom Mackey]

Hi,
I am new to Linux and Networking.  I have however managed to connect two
boxes, one running Redhat 5.2 , the other Win98, with thin ethernet such
that I can ping either from the other.
I have both FTP and terminal sorfware on the Win98 box.  I have tried
loging on to the Linux box using both.  Both programs seem to be getting
as far as the Liinux box as there is usually a flash of the disk light
- but they get disconnected after a few seconds.  What do I need to do
to set up on both machines to get this to work.  I have been reading Red
Hat Unleashed but to no avail.   Is there any simple step by step
approach for a beginner??
Tom Mackey