My DSL isnt working, and wont be for the next 5 days, but I need access to the internet, so I went out and bought a $30 modem, a U.S. Robotics Netmodem for Windows. I went home, and it set itself up on Windows without any problems, but then I tried to set it up on Linux (the OS I usually use, Red Hat 9.0), and Kudzu detected the new hardware, put it in the network configuration list, but then I created a new device, tried to activate it, and depending on what settings I choose it'll either just hand indefinitely trying to activate it, or just does it instantly, and doesn't dial the number, and won't let me access the internet... Is there some special way to dial the number or something that I don't know of? Whats going on, and how do I get this damned Winmodem to work?

The fact that you bought a "Winmodem" means that it won't work very easily. We may be able to help but knowing the model number and chipset would help.

Or maybe you shouldve checked compatabilty and ease of install before making a purchase. I did this 2 or 3 times after I totally ditched windows. But from now on, check with unix friendly manufacturers and devices.

This site may be of help - but you should have really checked the compatibility before buying (a bit late now, I know )