DNS servers and networking connections

[t.s.lim]

I have a working PPPoE connection (to go online) with WinXp + Sp1, I am now planing to build from scratch WinXp + Sp2. This time I want to be really clear with internet connections. I hope experts from this forum can clear my doubts and uncertainties...

My hardware and software config:
1) WinXp + Sp2 on a stand-alone P.C. (no LANs)
2) I am using a ADSL service and my ISP requires me to go with PPPoE
3) A dedicated, D-Link ethernet card just to go on-line
4) I am dialing-up to internet with a ADSL modem (under modem mode and in fact this is what I prefer. I was aware that my modem can be set to router mode)
5) I use RASPPPoE instead of the native PPPoE from XP

So basically there are 2 networking connections:
a) A local area connection (for my NIC) under the "LAN or High-speed internet" section, I named it D-LINK local connection
b) A Dial-up connection which I build using the RASPPPoE. I named this one Streamyx dialup connection (Streamyx is my ADSL service name)

I have no problem setting up the required networking connections to go online. But I am unsure about the below:
1) Do I need TCP/IP protocols for both the connection as in a) and b)
2) I have a list of DNS server IPs from my ISP, if I were to specify the DNS servers to use, which connection should I specify the DNS IPs? Should I input the IPs (under the properties of TCP/IP protocol) for the NIC connection as in a) or the Streamyx dialup connection as in b)?
3) How can I verify a given DNS server IP is correct/working ?

To, Moderator
Please feel free to move this to Chit Chat forum, I just made it here so some kind experts might want to help...

[Paranoid2000]

Since this appears to be a general networking question than something Outpost-specific, Computer Help would probably be the better place so I'll move this thread over. However in reply to your questions:

1) All network connections will need the TCP/IP protocol (while others are offered, there are only a few circumstances where you may prefer to use them, e.g. IPX/SPX would be used only if you needed to connect to an 10-year old Novell server).

2) While you can specify DNS addresses manually, having them detected automatically is almost always a better option. It involves less setting up and any subsequent address changes will be detected without you having to spend an hour or so trying to find out why your connections have suddenly stopped working.

3) The nslookup command (from a Command Prompt window) will connect to your DNS server and allow you to look up domains (type a domain at the > prompt or exit to quit) - that should suffice for testing.

[t.s.lim]

Hello Paranoid2000,

My current settings is:
1) I have TCP/IP protocol set for both the connections (so that means I am doing the right thing)
2) I specified a list of DNS servers for the "Local area connection" and I leave it "Obtain an IP address automatically" for the Dialup connection.

I try the ipconfig -all on a command prompt and I have:

Ethernet adapter D-Link Local Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : D-Link DFE-538TX 10/100 Adapter
.
.
.
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 202.188.0.132
202.188.1.5
161.142.201.17
192.228.188.61
203.121.16.85
203.115.225.25
202.189.32.28
202.188.0.133
202.188.1.4
61.6.38.139
NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Disabled

PPP adapter Streamyx (PPPoE 1Mb):

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : WAN (PPP/SLIP) Interface
.
.
.
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 202.188.0.133
202.188.1.5
NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Disabled

It look like ipconfig -all simply returns the list of DNS server addresses I have specified for my NIC and for ppp dialup connection (which I leave it automatic detection) only 2 addresses are returned (subset of what I have key in for the NIC)

I am using Outpost pro 2.1 at the moment and is going to use Outpost pro 2.5 (I have bought the life upgrade license) :) with WinXp + Sp2 which I am building from scratch in the near future. I am thinking of disabling svchost, so setting up DNS servers correctly is crucial. I am using your "Global DNS" option and is really eager to try the "Application DNS" option (as in the "Secure Configuration for Outpost" guide). I am really concern about "applications phoning home" and I want to stop them all (if any)

I think my main problem is I don't really understand the PPPoE connection idea (from the perspective of someone who is not a networking engineer) that is why I do not know which connection to specify the DNS servers IPs.

Is following the "Secure Configuration for Outpost" guide requires very profound networking knowledge? Am I too much to try doing what the guide is instructing?

Anyway thanks for trying to help!