Internet connection thru USB

I am looking for a way to connect my Z (5500, OpenZaurus 3.2, Opie 1.0, 
256 CF) to the internet using the cradle or thin USB cable.  My goal is 
to set my Z up to download my email and grab some of the headlines, 
maybe a couple snapshots from some sites every morning before I leave 
for work or while at work.
I have seen that users can setup a proxy server on their Windoze 
machines to enable them to get the Z connected.  Is there any other way 
than to setup a proxy server on Windows?  My work machine is a 2000 box 
and they would not appreciate me loading a proxy server.  USB Internet 
sharing somehow?
My home machine is RedHat 9 is there a way I can get the Z to share my 
Internet connection on that box too?

Thanks,
Nick