Why can't Linux use a regular 56k modem?
 

I'm currently running Kubuntu 7.10 and have to use a serial modem to use my dialup connection. When I was trying Xandros, it allowed me to use my regular internal 56k modem. Seems all the other distros I've tried won't. Is there a work around for this? Thanks.

Possibly. What is the modem chipset?

The problem with most internal modems is that they are "winmodems" which basically means the driver uses the OS and CPU to do all the heavy lifting (on older systems you can notice the slowdown). Since most of these are proprietary closed source, they have to be reverse engineered. Some of them have been and can be made to work. Others are completely useless.

However, external serial modems have an onboard chip to do the heavy lifting and so linux just has to pass standard serial commands.

Yeah, I fought that a number of years ago. You must either have a full hardware moden, usually external, or a driver that does the work a real modem would. Beware of controllerless modems. They are a step up from winmodems, but still need the computer to do some of the work. Perhaps you could port the Xandros driver to Ubuntu.

Check http://www.linmodems.org/

When I finally bought a modem that worked with my computer, it didn't work with my phony company's switching equipment. At least half the time, it missed some digits and failed to connect.

Just before reaching the point of fire bombing the local phone company, I discovered VOIP. Now my computer happily and successfully shares its high speed cable connection withthe phone. Internet, local phone, and unlimited long distance including part of Europe runs me $76.mo.