🚀 go-pugleaf

Paul Hansen <hansenp@cs.colostate.edu> wrote:
: I have a Compaq Presario 166 on which I have successfully installed Red
: Hat 5.0.  It is now over a year since I purchased this computer and I am
: much wiser (and better educated) now--I will build my next box myself!

Heh heh... I guess I won't ridicule you, then... Besides, you saved a 
little money, no?  Well, anyway, your problem stems from the infamous
WinModem.  The latest idea in modem technology is to sop up some of that
extra main CPU power in running the modem.  This means that the modem 
itself is dirt cheap and dumb as a brick.  On the other hand, it requires
quite a bit more thought on the part of the computer.  (Read: DRIVERS)

The problem is that nobody's too keen on making these drivers for Linux.
Prolly because of license restrictions.  Technically, it should not be
too difficult (Its likely very similar to the Packet Radio code for using
the Baycom modems - dumb TNCs)  But I couldn't find any hint of anyone 
doing any development on this front.

It sounds like you should excise the modem and put something else in.
As for which one... <shrug> Dunno... Anything that doesn't say "WinModem"
or something about Rockwell RIP drivers... Oh, and stay away from 
Plug & Play as well...

: I have concluded that I need a different modem. I just wanted to check
: with the Linux experts to make sure I'm not overlooking a trivial
: alternative. If I purchase a new modem, is there a modem manufacturer
: (usr?) that is especially Linux friendly?

I'm sure there are great USR modems out there, but it should be noted
that there was one model in particular that caused problems.  My best
suggestion for you is to choose a few modems, then try searching on
www.dejanews.com and see how many ppl are having trouble getting them
to work.  If people are having trouble, it isn't worth your trouble.

: (I'm so close to being free of Win95!!!)

<sigh> I still need it to play my games...  

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Michael J. Dwyer                      Colorado State University, USA
mdwyer@holly.ColoState.edu       http://WWW.CS.ColoState.EDU/~dwyer/
Computer Science Major                      Amateur Radio Tech N0ZAP