Hi,
I'm a complete Linux novice and also a networking novice. I normally use WinXP where I did manage to run the ADSL install CD which I think installed the USB driver for my modem and I also managed the Windows wizard to set up my ADSL network connection.

Please could someone explain step by step how to get Linux to:
a) recognise my modem
b) configure my ADSL connection.

I have an RIDSL EA900 ADSL modem. Under win XP the device name is ADSL USB MODEM (Native ATM Model) (ATM 8-0).
Today I installed Mandrake. I wanted to get web access so I navigated to Mandrake Control Center>Network and Internet, so I got to a window with 7 icons labelled from 'New Connection' thru 'Internet Connection Sharing'.
I tried the New Connection to set up a 'Modem' connection. I got to the end of the process and rebooted but it wasn't recognised then I tried again to set up an 'ADSL' connection but that wasn't recognised either.

BTW, without a connection from Linux I can't do any of the cut and paste actions suggested by Finegan...sorry :-(

Also, is there a good reference site for novices like me?

Thanks

forgot to add the kernel details:
Mandrake v10.0. It's not the boxed version, I got it from a friend, is that called a distro?