Sharing internet connection using Linux

I'm new to Linux and would like to know if anyone here has had a bit of experience using Linux to function as a router/gateway in order to share an Internet connection.

I'm running Debian Sarge.  I have two ethernet cards installed.  eth0 is wan (connected to dsl modem) and eth1 is lan (connected to 8 port switch)

I want to know if I have the basic concepts right, some questions:
- I use the route command to junction the two interfaces, more or less, right?  Any examples or recommended howtos for beginners?
- I should make eth0 and eth1 static, right? (wan=10.0.0.1 and lan=10.0.0.2 good?)
- I need to be running a dhcpd so that all computers on the lan can get ips as needed
- ipchains does the firewalling, and how does that compare with tcpwrappers or whatever that I've heard about.

Any input is appreciated!

why not buy a small inexpensive hardware router instead and use that D:

http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/IP-Masquerade-HOWTO/

>>3
listen to him. it may sound like rtfm, but it really explains all that stuff.

>>2
because i want to run a bittorrent tracker and vsftpd on this box as well