Using a DSL modem for a windows and a linux PC

[tstolber]

Hi

I am fairly new to linux.
I am getting to grips with how things work.
I am preparing to set up my linux machine with a PPP connection from the DSL modem I have.

My question is, can I run my windows machine on the DSL modem using the USB port and run the linux machine using the ehternet connection?

I know this is not a normal networking procedure but I just want it so that I can read up on things whilst trying to get the linux machine to work.

Could I just uplug the USB cable and plug in the ethernet cable into the back of the DSL modem?

I plan to run the linux machine as a proxy server using NAT so I have two NICs in it.
I am not sure that the NICs were recognised during installation of the OS so I will need to load the drivers (modules rather than compiled). I have a standard 3com NIC so I think I will be alright when I find the drivers.

I am anticipating a few hickups so I would like ready access to the interent rather than transfering between the two.

Is this possible?
Am a being extremly lazy?

Thanks

[loft306]

yeah you should be able to run a winbox on the usb and a lin box at the same time on the ether