I can't get my iBook G4 (OSX v. 10.4.11) to connect to the internet via an ethernet cable. My wireless works fine, yet when I connect an ethernet cable, it does not seem to detect anything. I have turned the airport off, and also tried setting up a network connection, to no avail. Shouldnt my iBook detect the ethernet and automatically do the rest? I am away for work and ethernet use is free, but I have to use my own money for wireless!

You are correct that the ethernet port should detect if a ethernet cable connected to a network (the internet) is active, you don't have to toggle them off or on. I'm thinking that the ethernet port has gone bad. Have you tried another cable? Still the same result? If the new cable doesn't work then it's going to be difficult, for one, the ethernet port is part of the logic board, and the only way to fix that port is getting another logic board and they aren't cheap even now. I have an older 2003 PowerMac G5 and the logic board costs $500 today. Hopefully it's just the cable you are using. I hope this helped.