Connecting a Laptop to a Local Network to get Internet Access

[rab <rab nauticom net>]

I have my laptop (192.168.1.2) connected to my desktop computer 
(192.168.1.1) via ethernet. Both are running RH 9.0.  The desktop is 
connected to the Internet by a working DSL connection. I can ssh between 
the two in either direction. But how do I get Internet access from the 
laptop? Do I need to set up a DNS server on the desktop? (This looks to 
be complicated.) Can't I use the DNS server on my ISP? I cannot ping 
anything outside the local network from the laptop.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Rick B.