[newbie] Linksys 10/100 and LInux-Mandrake 7.2

[Christopher]

Hello all,     Here's my setup:   Aptiva 233 Linksys 10/100 Ethernet card   -- Connected to a 5 port Hub   -- Hub is connected to an external cable box.    I went to the main page for sending in tech questions for the Mandrake folks to answer.  The replied "sorry, since your matter doesn't concern installation, I can't help you."  So, my world is now in your good folks' hands.  How do I get Linux to 1) see my card, and then 2) get the card to see the internet?  Feel free to send help in "dummy" style if you wish.  My other machines have Windows 98 on them, using the same card.  I'm used to just opening up Internet Explorer, and bam, there's the net (no log in procedures) (and none behind the scenes).   Thanks,   Christopher.