Hi,
I want to connect a WIndows 2000 machine to a linux box.
How do I do this ?
What should be the physical connections ?
What configurations do I need to set up ?

A detailed answer would be greatly appreciated ,since I am a layman.

Thanks,
Parag.

Absolutely. The best way to do this is to use common protocols and free software (for linux) to enable name-resolution & file-sharing.

For the connection use Ethernet (cat5 cable and Ethernet network cards)
For the network protocol use TCP/IP (default usually)

For name-resolution use DNS (do you have a DNS server?) or edit the HOSTS file on both machines

To share files use 'Samba' - You can download it free for linux.
Obviously there is a lot more to all this, I would research Samba, as it provides the easiest way to share files.

Ps both OS's support Telnet if you simply want to run commands on a remote machine....

Mixed Linux/Win2000 Network Administrator

for more detail....

When you install an ethernet card to your linux box you should be prompted to set it up anyway. You will need to select an IP address such as 192.168.0.1 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0

This goes for the windows box as well, but the settings are in 'Network and Dial-up Connections' in your control panel.
Use a slightly different IP address for each machine (change the last number only ie 192.168.0.2 would be fine)

Connect both together using a CROSSOVER cable (search the internet on this or ask for it at a shop)

At this point if you type 'ping 192.168.0.1' from the Windows machine you should get a reply from the Linux machine. Be sure to disable any firewalls!!!

From here on you can install Samba which is a whole chapter in itself...

Mixed Linux/Win2000 Network Administrator