You need to understand the basics of IP networking to be able to configure and troubleshoot IP networks.
In Mac OS X, simple networking configuration is done with the Network Setup Assistant. Additional configuration is done in Network preferences.
AppleTalk is no longer enabled by default. AppleTalk also has changed in Mac OS X 10.4, in that it is now used only for printers and not for AFP file services.
A proxy server can significantly reduce your Internet traffic for commonly-used sites or for sites with large graphic files.
To effectively troubleshoot your IP network, you need to be familiar with the network topology.
Mac OS X provides you with a set of network tools that can help you in troubleshooting. These tools (Ping, Lookup, Traceroute, and Port Scan) are in Network Utility (/Applications/Utilities).
You can use Network Utility or Terminal from the Mac OS X Install DVD to troubleshoot local, network, and server problems.
The following Knowledge Base documents (located at www.apple.com/support) will provide you with further information regarding network configuration in Mac OS X.
106747, "Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a PPPoE Internet Connection"
106749, "Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a cable modem, DSL, or LAN Internet connection"
106748, "Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a dial-up/PPP Internet connection"
25270, "Mac OS X: Do Not Use Leading Zeros in IP Address"
106260, "Your computer's name does not appear on the network"
106439, "'Well Known' TCP and UDP Ports Used By Apple Software Products"
106796, "Mac OS X: Connect to the Internet, troubleshoot your Internet connection, and set up a small network"
106797, "Mac OS X: Slow Startup, Pauses at 'Initializing network' or 'Configuring network time'"
61426, "Mac OS X: About Network Utility"
24803, "Troubleshooting Phone Line Issues That Affect Modem Connections"
106446, "Mac OS X: Apple System Profiler Modem Information Incorrect or Missing"
106447, "Mac OS X: How to Gather Modem Troubleshooting Information"