Help - Linux Install problem!

[Mark Phillips]

I have installed (several times!) Redhat 6.1 on my Dell Inspiron 3000 laptop
from a CD.

The installation proceeds without a problem, and linux comes up just fine.
It even auto-recognizes my network card - 3Com 3C589D (eth0). I can log in
and poke around, start Gnome and try to configure the network. Now, as I try
to configure the network I run into problems.

I can configure the interface eth0 (192.168.0.154), setup the host name
(dell_linux) and add a second host (192.168.0.145). If I do not add an entry
for dell_linux to the list of hosts, the machine reboots with one error
during boot from http server that it cannot resolve the host name. Gnome
(and X) start, but I get an error from X that says it cannot resolve the
host name dell_linux. I can ping the other host, and even surf the web.

Now, if I add dell_linux to the list of hosts, the machine will not reboot.
It hangs in the boot process when it tries to enable(?) sendmail.

My kernel is 2.2.5.-15 (I think - I am reinstalling it again so I can't
check right now.....ah the joy of it all).

Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

Mark