I am new to Linux with some Unix development work background from my past. I have a German ALDI-Tevion PC (Intel Pentium, over 2GHz). Many USB ports, SD port, etc. I have a dual card that is a dial-up modem (56K, V9.x PCI modem, Intel 536ep based) plus a TVCard. The TVCARD works fine under SUSE. I have a nvida GForce 4 card and 256MB memory. I can only see one screen working!

I have tried to install SUSE8.2 Pro. I have had much problems getting the modem to work. Finally after recompiling and installing it, my modem now if I am root connects to my ISP but after a while disconnects. I am unable to access internet. Using KPPP under debug mode I see that the connection occurs but on Mozelle I am unable to get any positive response to an http address. It just times-out. I am not sure if which option I need to choose CHAP, CHAP/PAP, script, terminal . Any ideas? I also have a problem with the mouse. After a few minutes the mouse freezes up! The only way out is to logout via keyboard and log back in but the problem comes back soon after.
Tried using KNOPPIX, I booted from the CD ROM but the modem is not recognized, after a while my mouse freezes again!

Please help.