i downloaded driver for my "winmodem"
the file name is: slmdm-2.6.16.tar.gz
i decompressed with winrar.
i know have the folder: slmdm-2.6.16
how to install this driver?

The easiest way would be to enter the dir and type "./configure", then "make" and then, "make install". But these are generic compilation norms. You really should take a look at the install or readme file, where the author tells what should be done in detail.
Also, make sure you have your kernel-sources package installed, the driver compilation routine will most likely need them.

thanks for replying

i almost understood all, except the "kernel-sources" thing

The kernel sources are the source code for your running kernel. Most distros pack them on specific packages for people who need to compile drivers or recompile the kernel. When you compile drivers for your hardware, the compiling process consults these files. I can't give you much more detail than that, as I have very limited experience with driver compilation.
If you know any other more automatic process, I would recommend you do that, unless you really wanna learn how to compile drivers.

AT THE DRIVER FOLDER THERE IS A "READ ME" FILE.

IIT GIVES ME THIS INSTALLATION INFO,
BUT I STILL CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHAT TO DO

PLEASE ADD SOME HELPFUL COMMENTS IF YOU CAN



Installation
============

1. Unpack tar.gz package file:

$ gzip -dc slmdm-2.6.X.tar.gz | tar xf -

2. 'cd' to package directory:

$ cd slmdm-2.6.X

3. Review and edit (if need) 'Makefile'.

Note: Probably you will want to correct in Makefile path to your
local linux kernel header files:

KERNEL_INCLUDES=/path/to/linux/include

Another way is to pass command line the parameter while
running 'make':

$ make KERNEL_INCLUDES=/path/to/linux/include ...

4. Run 'make' command to compile package:

$ make

5. Install.

If you are going to use AMR/CNR/PCI modem type (as superuser):

# make install-amr

, or

# make install-usb

if you are going to use USB modem.

It will install:
- modem kernel modules slmdm.o (modem core), slfax.o (fax)
into '/lib/modules/<kernel-version>/misc' directory
(standard linux modules' directory).
- hardware specific kernel module slamrmo.o (for AMR/CNR/PCI) or
slusb.o (for USB) into '/lib/modules/<kernel-version>/misc'
directory (standard linux modules' directory).
- country settings data file 'country.dat' into directory '/etc'.

Also it will:
- create character tty device entry '/dev/ttySL0' with major
number 212 and symbolic link 'dev/modem'.
- config you '/etc/modules.conf' file in order to provide
possibility for loading the modem modules into kernel on demand
automatically by kmod, when you are going to use them.

Note: currently you cannot use both AMR/CNR/PCI and USB Modems.

6. Config modem country.

You can configure you current country by using module parameters
'country' or 'country_code'.
Add 'options' directive line to file '/etc/modules.conf':

options slmdm country=<MyCountry>

, for example

options slmdm country=USA

, or use module parameter while module loading:

# modprobe slmdm country=<MyCountry>

Use 'slver -c' to see list of all supported countries and their
codes (utility 'slver' may be found in package directory).

Note: Command ATI7 shows installed country setting.

7. Using the modem.

Installation will automatically create character tty device entry
'/dev/ttySL0' with major number 212 and symbolic link '/dev/modem'.
Use one of them as modem device for your dialing application.

8. Uninstallation.

In package directory just type:

# make uninstall

Hey friend! I strongly advise you to look for a specific Mdk package to drive your win-modem. Maybe a rpm... These driver compiling process can be very frustrating, sometimes.
You may want to start another thread, also. Maybe someone more experienced than me...

This is what I know about that read me:

Makefile is a plain text file inside the install dir. Look for this line and edit according to your system:

KERNEL_INCLUDES=/path/to/linux/include

The mdk kernel header files, I guess, are installed together with the kernel sources. They are part of it.

From point 4, the process is " make" and " install", as I told before. If you using a pci modem (do you know this?) you want to " make install-amr".

In this part the guy tells you what the install process will do on your computer:

**************
It will install:
- modem kernel modules slmdm.o (modem core), slfax.o (fax)
into '/lib/modules/<kernel-version>/misc' directory
(standard linux modules' directory).
- hardware specific kernel module slamrmo.o (for AMR/CNR/PCI) or
slusb.o (for USB) into '/lib/modules/<kernel-version>/misc'
directory (standard linux modules' directory).
- country settings data file 'country.dat' into directory '/etc'.

Also it will:
- create character tty device entry '/dev/ttySL0' with major
number 212 and symbolic link 'dev/modem'.
- config you '/etc/modules.conf' file in order to provide
possibility for loading the modem modules into kernel on demand
automatically by kmod, when you are going to use them
****************

Using the modem:

To load the module for your modem, as root do:


modprobe slmdm country=<MyCountry>

But mdk should have some way to load the modules at startup.

To config your dialing app, use the device /dev/modem

Ok? Hope it helps!

thanks bruno for your comments

i ll try to find more info. i am still "lost" :/