🚀 go-pugleaf

I am new to linux and im having some problems
Ive recently installed corel linux onto a second hard
my drives are thus
2gig corel linux
8gig win98

At the moment i am changing boot options in my bios to enable me to get into
one or other system is there an better way ie menu at startup?

When dialling up i only get as far as "initalising modem" and then nothing
no errors no hang up/lock up
it just sits there doing nothing i have a rockwell K56 flex/v90. No log
reports either i know that it sees the modem but i get no info at all when i
query it. All the AT fields are blank.

I cannot seem to find any where to chk what hardware is set up in linux is
there something like control panel in windows? I have a sound blaster live
which doesnt seem to be set up I can see data on my cdrom but when i try to
access music cd's its says that my cdrom isnt mounted but yet it plays in cd
player but without sound.

Can anyone recomend a good book? Would getting started with corel linux
answer these questions?
I currently have a copy of Running Linux but it is of no help on these
subjects and to be completely honest I think I may need a for dummies book

Thank You in advance for any help

Sincerely  Mikey Thomas

P.S Answers in for dummies fashion please