network connection

I am running SuSE 10.1 on an IBM Think Center with a dual 3.7ghz
processor using disks purchased online, no manual. I have a DSL modem
to an internet provider that is plugged into the Ethernet slot and it
works fine with Win XP which is on the same drive.
Problem is with Linux, I can configure the card for DSL but there are
no icons or other means of initiating a connection. It's like having
wiring without any telephone device. Can someone help?

Zeno
.