Buying a 56k Modem that works in Linux
 

I recently bought a nice computer off of ebay and it's been a dream to use sofar (two hours) running slackware-live.

However I tried to connect to the internet and it didn't work. So now I'm looking for a new computer modem for my dell 8100. Does anyone have any suggestions for a cheap linux modem? (Cheap as in under 50 bucks).

Thanks a ton.

Harrison

P.S. I am a complete linux newbie. This is going to be my learning experience and I can see it's going to be quite educational. *sigh*

Unfortunatly, any "cheap" modem you would buy is probably a Winmodem, which will be difficult (if not impossible) to get working properly in Linux.

The best modems to buy for linux are external serial modems, since they don't require any special device drivers to use (normally found only in Windows). I purchased a Creative Labs Modem Blaster 56k Serial modem on ebay for around $30 (Normally retails for about $65). That is what I would suggest...poke around on ebay and see what you can find.

Good luck with your search, and just remember to stay away from Winmodems! ;-)

Check out this link.

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...ing=p&filter=0

It is sorted from cheapest to most expensive. Just pick the lowest price from a reputable place and there you go.

I bought mine from techdepot, the price varies though. Basically as mentiond earlier, external serial and you are fine.

Oh yeah, point to /dev/ttyS0 or /dev/ttyS1 for serial ports.

Later

:D :D :D

Make sure it looks cool too.

bought a Tornado 565 -serial-- $30
works very well

my wife has a Zoom 3048 - serial
no problems

Got Actiontec external modem for 50... even the call waiting works in Linux.

US Robotics.......PCI Fax Modems are nice.

Alright, I went to ebay and these are a couple of modems that I think fit the description.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=14920&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=14920&rd=1

Would anyone mind letting me know if they won't work?

Thanks,

Harrison

I would go with the 2nd one because I am not sure how the implement USB modems. But if it talks over an RS-232 serial port it should work just fine.

Key thing here is serial, not USB. Sometimes you run into problems with USB stuff in Linux. Mostly varies by distro. Serial just needs to be in the kernel and it works. USB needs some tweaking and such.

Save the headache and get external SERIAL. It will work, as long as the modem is good anyway. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Later

:D :D :D :D

hmmm. I've been trying to get my modem to work with linux... with no success.

does anyone know if this modem is compatable or hopeless?

Conexant HSF V92 56K RTAD Speakerphone PCI Modem

That is a windoze modem. Go here.

http://www.linmodems.org/

There may be another site to that is for that specific model. You may want to search for Conexant HSF in the forums.

Hope that helps.

Later

:D :D :D :D

you can get good drivers for winmodem, however, the cost is $14.50
you still can get in trouble on other distros
Get a serial external.
Even if you have to dock down $30, so what.

You use the modem for 5 years, that is $6 per year.
Work it out per day if you feel

You really might want to consider going with DSL and skipping the modem route, as it is much, much faster. The marginal price difference between dial up and DSL these days is not that great.

A great resource of verifying Linux compatibility can be found here: http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/showcat.php?cat=174

and an excellent source for best prices can be found here: http://www.pricewatch.com/

To echo what others have posted, if you decide to go with a modem, make sure it's an external model, and you want serial, not USB. Good luck with things and welcome to the awesome world of Linux -- J.W.

Hehe, Thanks. I would switch to DSL, but it's 'not supported in our area' which is really really bad. hmm. linuxant has drivers but they are limited to 14Kbps which is WAY to slow for me I could buy their $15 driver pack for full speed:eek:

http://imspire.com/about_linux_conexant.htm :
Nooooo!!! To bad I didn't get the driver when it was out.... Anyone know of a site supporting it?

I guess I could pay $15.... First I have to make sure that the drivers actually work and I can install them. How am I supposed to get it over to linux anyway? I can't read from my USB drive and I haven't yet 'mounted' a partition I added intending it to be a shared area. I guess I'll try to do a floppy,

Hmm. maybe I can get a serial modem off ebay... Pricewatch is quite impressive.

Ajam: Yeah, I probably shouldn't be so frugal.... Still, I should think linux could access drivers etc. although I understand HSF drivers are quite extensive.

I have redhat linux 9. The compattability says thet redhat is 100% hayes compattable,can some on tell me what are some cheap hayes based modems . under 50$ please i need help
i am completeley new to linux.