Here are some notes made to myself on the road to getting internet connected with Linux....hope it helps.
Just got on line with Amigo AMI-IA56 internal PCI dialup modem with Intel 536ep chipset. ($12 - google for it)
Maybe this will help.
1. Your ISP must play nice w/Linux...mine didn't (AOL) , had to change ISP.
2. I guess you know that DSL thru LAN (NIC) connection is easiest. No drivers. Took about 4 minutes.
3.Next easiest is dialup with external serial (NOT USB) modem. Google for Best DATA or US Robotics ($20 - $65). No drivers. Takes about 10-15 min. to configure in Kppp. I bought one for the kid's PC at thrift store. ($4). Everyone's getting rid of older 56k ser. modems. (they work with linux and are faster than some int. PCI modems)
4.More difficult is internal PCI modem requiring drivers (which includes both soft and hardware modems) You must determine whether your modem is a softmodem or a hardware modem. If you insist on installing an internal PCI modem, be prepared to search for drivers. It could take 1 day or three weeks depending on lots of variables. Also, do not expect much tech support from the modem manufacturer, even if the modem is listed as being linux compatible.
Check here -->
http://www.linmodems.org
or here -->
http://www.modemsite.com
