If your network can give out IP addresses automatically, there is probably a DHCP server there, and you dont need to enter any information at all. Just click the Get info from server button, and press connect.
If the Connect to net button takes a long time to finish, it means that you cannot contact the DHCP server. Check that your ethernet card is installed and plugged in, with its lights flashing. Secondly, you should check that your Linux kernel knows what kind of card you have. See the A Word about ethernet drivers for details here.
If you get a red X on the network map saying that either the gateway or nameserver cannot be reached, it almost always means that the DHCP server is not setup correctly. You should call the network administrator in charge, and tell him that. Specifically, since the DHCP server is telling you where to look for the gateway and nameserver, it better give you valid addresses. That's why its there in the first place. So if you cannot reach them, somebody better go fix the server.
If you know your IP address, you should follow these instructions for manual setup.
Enter three IP addresses:
If If you get a red X on the network map saying that either the gateway or nameserver cannot be reached, examine your ethernet card. Check that your ethernet card is installed and plugged in, with its lights flashing. Secondly, you should check that your Linux kernel knows what kind of card you have. See the A Word about ethernet cards for details here.