Thanks for the reply, Harry.

Actually, I'm glad I ran into this issue. I never considered exploring the router features of my DSL modem before because I have only one PC. I merely set it up per my ISP's instructions. Also, I assumed that this device's (Zhone 6381) firewall was always on by default. Actually, I'm still pretty sure it is. When I go to sites like grc.com, even with the Windows Firewall turned off, the results are that my ports can't be detected; that is, my PC is in "stealth mode."

Well, looking at this manual:

http://www.zhone.com/support/manuals...A2-GB23-10.pdf

... it seems I can configure DHCP after all. Up until now, I have been just using the static IP address my ISP assigned me plus the other usual addresses (Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, DNS Servers) in Windows' TCP/IP Properties. What was weird is that this seemed to work briefly under Linux, too. Anywho, I believe I can probably figure this out on my own from here on out. If not, I'll post back. Thanks, again.