my desktop doesnt get an ip from the cable modem but it can get the modems mac addy

does your connection required hostname?

[mhelios]

Try resetting and rebooting the cable modem. Also make sure all lights are showing correctly on the modem and a link light on the network card. Then restart network services. Are there any relevant error messages being reported? Check /var/log/messages and /var/log/dmesg.

mhelios