Free modem drivers?

mikegorb · 03-30-2005, 11:33 PM

Hi there,

I'm currently running Fedora Core 2 on a Dell Inspiron 5100 laptop. I need to get my modem working (there's no broadband in my area! eek!). I have a HSF based modem by the way.

I've had a look around and found a driver on www.linuxant.com but it will cost for a usable version. I was wondering if anybody knows of a driver which would help me out and wouldn't cost (I'm a poor student! lol).

Any help would be gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Mike

sgrayban · 03-31-2005, 12:18 AM

nope -- linuxant is the only place that is allowed to compile linux drivers from the manufactures since they wont opensource there stuff.

dalek · 03-31-2005, 12:32 AM

That sucks. See if you can get a external serial modem. They are hardware modems and don't require any additional software to run. www.froogle.com and search for external serial modem. Sometimes they are pretty cheap.

Later

APB_4 · 03-31-2005, 03:54 AM

If you do decide to get a new modem try ebay or some other 2nd hand place as they are dirt cheap 2nd hand. I recently bought a modem that retails at about £80 for £20 including p&p on ebay. Make sure it is a proper external serial modem no usb crap.

dalek · 03-31-2005, 04:01 AM

Sorry. Didn't notice where you are from. 2nd hand will be fine as long as they have not been hit by a surge or something like that. Usually if the power light comes on, it works, USUALLY.

Hope you can find one cheap. They sure beat those winmodems. I had to replace my bro's winmodem a few weeks ago. It got buggy. Could have been the driver but now I know what it ain't.

Later

mikegorb · 03-31-2005, 11:30 PM

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I'll give buying a second-hand serial modem a go if I can find one cheap. If not I'll have to pay the $14.95 to Linuxant for the driver.

Anyhow, I appreciate your help.

Mike

dalek · 03-31-2005, 11:47 PM

I have read they are buggy. That was a while ago. I hate for you to pay them and still not be happy with what you got.

Later

APB_4 · 04-01-2005, 11:47 AM

If you are using BT as your ISP and can't get it to connect give me a post as I had to do it recently and it takes quite a few options in pppd to get it working. Serial modems are so much easier to set-up you really should get one if it's at all possible, you just have to plug them in. They also take away the coding/decoding away from your computer which helps if it isn't the faster box out.