Networking :: Why does DSL Networking work so well?



I am fairly new to Linux.  I have the following home network set up.

LINUX BOX (IP:192.168.0.64, Subnet:255.255.255.0)
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crossover ethernet cable
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WINDOWS XP BOX (IP:192.168.0.1, Subnet:255.255.255.0)
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wireless adapter (Automatically assigned IP with ICS)
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WIRELESS ACCESS POINT

When I start the DSL Live CD on the linux box, I can immediately browse the Internet from Firefox.  However, I cannot get this to work in any other distribution of linux.  

When I run from the installed Vector Linux distro or Slax live CD, I can successfully ping and view files on the Windows computer, but I cannot surf the Net.

When I run ifconfig, I get the same results in DSL, Vector and Slax.  I actually copied my samba/smb.conf file from DSL to Vector to see if that would work, but it didn't.  

What is DSL doing on power-up to make all this work?
Are there any other files, configurations, tools that I should be checking?

I realize that some of you will say that if DSL works, why switch to anything else.  I am still learning, and am trying to pick the right distro for my needs.  I have a lot of RAM, and would like a little more than the basics.

Thanks

Have you tried Knoppix ? DSL can be referred to as a cut down version of Knoppix so if you're looking for something that isn't available in DSL and their is something unique about how DSL works that you need, you might have some luck with Knoppix...

Now about that:
Quote

if DSL works, why switch to anything else

I don't think anyone can say that any specific dist is a single, all around solution to all users and tasks, and if one thing works, it doesn't necessarily means everything works...

DSL has one big advantage which is the scripting. Because DSL aims not to grow in size, the devs put a lot of time in the scripting which automates some tasks that other dists just hasn't got around to doing, as you yourself have noticed :-) .


original here.