Well, I got a linux install running and connected to the internet. I can't seem to get other machines on the network talking to it though.
I thought I had the dhcpd.conf file done correctly. It's all for naught really. I've tried and failed. So I think we'll be getting some gateway/VPN in box (from Cisco I would guess). I'm not ashamed to admit defeat. I think I will keep pounding on this problem and get a better understanding of networking nonetheless.
At least, I will get back to doing happy work (web/database).
A day without Perl is a day without sunshine.