use Ubuntu(Gnome) 8.10.Kubuntu is not really…!.and MANUAL PARTITION.Linux does not go with window$ partition names like a,b,c,d,e,f etc.instead it (SATA) /dev/sda1,/dev/sda2..etc .
also ,do understand GNU/Linux partition:
http://www.faqs.org/docs/Linux-mini/Partition.html
Hard drive device names – MEPIS Documentation Wiki

Dataone is working fine with GNU/Linux.If you are using pppoe mode(router dialer) ,you need to configure dhcp to work for you.
press ALT+F2 and insert “network-admin”(without quotes) and run. unlock it by giving your password.select the lan card and assign dhcp and router gw address.restart network .hopefully ,it will work.

Bridge mode:
How to connect broadband in Ubuntu Your Download Hut Of Technology
pppoe mode:
for Ubuntu :
go to menu>System>Admin>Network .press “unlock” and give your login password. select the device eth0(wired network). click properties.tick on enable this device.select automaticipassignmode(DHCP).
then ,open a terminal(in menu -applications>accessories>terminal).
run:
Code:

sudo /etc/init.d/networking force-reload

Try Pinging a known site:
Code:

ping -c5 76.162.89.197

If it works ,your network is configured fine.
Good Luck!
also see:
Ubuntu:Intrepid –