Connecting to the Internet Via RedHat 7.

Hi. What is the process for connecting linux to the internet via an external cable modem. As I was told, it is all hardware configured. I have a controller card @home put in, and at the terminal window I typed in ifconfig eth1 x.x.x.x netmask x.x.x.x. Though I am not sure about what to use for that address, and then I believe I need to configure DNS, and maybe the Hosts file. Hey if I knew I wouldnt be here. I have netscape as a browser, but I think once I can at least get out using the ping and ftp and so forth, I will be able to get netscape going.
Thanks for your help. Pat