How do I use an external modem in Fedora 8?

NoahT1BM · 02-15-2008, 12:59 AM

Hello all. I am new to the world of Linux, and have started things off with Knoppix 5.1 on live CD, and at the present time is the only distro that I have. My main OS in WinXP SP2.
Now on to my question.
I have a 56K external modem with a serial interface, and need to use it for internet access on Fedora 8. It works fine on Knoppiz 5.1 live CD, but I read somewhere that dial-up support will be added later to Fedora 8's network manager.
Has a package to enable dial-up support been released?

I would be appreciate any help.
thank you.

Simon Bridge · 02-15-2008, 01:26 AM

Have you tried it with fedora 8?

NoahT1BM · 02-15-2008, 01:50 AM

No, not yet. Would testing it on a live CD tell me if the modem would work once Fedora was installed to an internal hard disk using an installation DVD?

Simon Bridge · 02-15-2008, 04:51 AM

If it works under fedora live, it will run under fedora. But, if it doesn't, then you have no information.

I know external serial modems installed out of the box in FC6 and the release notes for f7&8 do not mention removing this. I have also not seen any support requests like: "I have a modem going in FC6 which isn't recognized in f8".

Some distros have removed serial modem support (Zenwalk IIRC) and you need to install a different kernel, or recompile the kernel, to use them.

However, excluding the serial modem drivers (or anything in the kernel really) on a DVD-based distro would be a highly questionable decision. I'd say, give it a go.

Note: when you install fedora - use custom partitioning, ext3 and no LVM. Create a home partition as well and keep all the stuff you don't want to lose there. This is the one you back up. When you upgrade, you elect a clean install but leaving the home partition data alone.

Have fun.

NoahT1BM · 02-15-2008, 09:46 AM

Okay, I will do that. After all, this is an experiment for me, as I hope to eventually replace Winblowz with Linux.

Simon Bridge · 02-15-2008, 05:05 PM

Recently discovered that grokdoc.net has a comprehensive discussion on migrating off OtherOS to GNU/Linux. Mainly aimed at businesses, a home desktop needen't be this much work. Very good for the overview though, and it will avoid common gotchas.

Hmmm....
Good linuxmanship suggests I should call moves to GNU/Linux or GNU/BSD as "upgrades" and moves between OtherOS-versions are "migrations". i.e. "Many obsolete-XP users now face a decision between a migration to legacy Vista or an upgrade to GNU/Linux".