Linux, Windows, Firewall, Proxy Server

Hello,

I decided to post this question here because I have found that linux guru's are relatively 'on the ball' with networking terminology and theory. :-)

Here is my question.(/problem?)

I have a Nexland Internet Sharing box at home which is connected to my DSL connection. I have 3 PCs which get Dynamicly assigned IP's from he Nexland box in the form of 198.162.0.xxx.

Everything works fine and dandy however I have recently required the need for a proxy server. Specificly a Socks5 Server. (Because of a file sharing app which requires the use of one in the case you are behind a firewall). I did some research and found out that Linux is the best OS to go with to create any type of Socks Server/Proxy Server.

So I downloadedMandrake 8.1 on one of the 3 PC's I have at home. I loaded it on a 200mhz PC w/ 128 MB RAM. Now, I have learned so much about Linux it is driving me crazy!!! Nonetheless, I am persistant to get this going...

I just wondered if there was anybodyout there who has the same set up at home (or at work) who has any type of inspirational words for me!!! I just want to know if this will work! Also, if anybody has a good site to find some info on how to configure this box, that would also be helpful!

Thx!