I'm running Mandrake 9.2 I've configured the modem in Hardrake and it is dialing in getting a connection giving me 2 dong dong sounds giving me a connection again and then dropping me. Using a US Robotics external modem. Called my ISP but they do not know anything about Linux. Anyone have an idea what the problem might be ???

Do you have a hardware modem (that is external) or a PCI card type modem ?

If you have the PCI style modem you may have what is called a "winmodem" which is heavily dependant upon software. Most winmodems have no drivers; you should have a look over on http://www.linmodems.org/ to see what sort of support you have, and do a search here too.

sounds like your not giving the isp what the're expecting. have a read here

http://axion.physics.ubc.ca/ppp-linux.html

if the modem is setup correctly (see above post) the link provided should get you going.
good luck.

Pres. It's an external modem hooked up to a serial port it sees it as ttyy0 on Com 1. Its dialing alright and the ISP is picking up then it drops me.

Peacedog, Thanks for that link I think I can troubleshoot from there. I called when I was setting it up and the fellow said he thought they authenticated using PAP but he wasn't positive. Need to call again and get a solid answer from them. I think that's my problem not having what I need to get authenticated by my ISP. Thanks for the info guys. Just been doing this for a couple of weeks now and this is the first big problem I've ran into.

I got her done. When you go to Mandrake control center and use it to connect to internet it wouldn't let me so I loaded KPPP I guess there was no PPP in effect that was my problem.

Thanks.