a command line for Mandrake suggested by a modem vendor includes the words modem -(version).(arch).rpm. I think the version refers to the modem version which is known, but what is meant by (arch)

"version" probably refers to the version of the software, like 2.1.5 or something. "arch" refers to the architecture - most probably "i386" if you use an IBM-compatible PC.

Håkan

arch==architecture. For intel architecture(as opposed to Macs) they are designated as "i386" or "i586" and sometimes "i686". The i386 refers to the old intel 386 processors and will work on any intel or AMD processor you might have since the newer processors are backward compatible. This is the most generic one and is commonly used. The i586 refers to pentium class or better and is also very common, and, IIRC, i686 refers to PII or better. Mandrake is compiled for i586 or better. RPMs compiled for Macs have a "PPC" architecture tag.