a total newbie-here!
 

Hello~All,
Certainly, I have nothing to post!!! Except days and days of frustration!! Working with windows "winmodems" on both desktop (dell 4550) and compaq presario 1275, which is the unit I really want linux to work?/
We do have a NTLUG here in Dallas, I'm going this Saturday to see what they might offer??
My laptop runs knoppix CD well, I've upgraded it totally, max ram 160, all MB is up to specs, runs win 98se fast and the internet OK. Just Linx won't "find" the modem. I've tried to d/l the "scanmodem" suggested on HOWTO site, my only option: d/l to my desktop to a floppy and run in the laptop!!? Does'nt work!! Laptop doesn't "see" what's on the floppy. Lspci - v format give lots of info., none of which tells me anything regarding a modem?? modprob format,If I remember correctly, gives "permission denied"I get that alot!? I go into su "root" - same response.
Sure hope the LUG can get me up and running?
I DO want to learn and run Linux on this laptop, effectively, then migrate to my desktop, eventually - eliminating windows totally!! Big goal!!
Thanks for reading..
John in Dallas.

welcome john, win modems r just that, windows modems. yea you can get them to work-- but at what cost.

if they are not compatible in the slightest way, you have to use ndsiwrapper to get it to work.

sometimes it is just easier to use dsl (ethernet), with prices competing with dial now-- if you have it available.

or buy a linux modem (serial or pci card).

good luck.

Winmodems can be particularly hard to work with. Check out http://www.linuxant.com/company/. They give out drivers for certain winmodems. I can only guess your brand of winmodem since you didn't give any info. But you can easily get an external modem (and there are many of them that work flawlessly with Linux) and get it working. Those modems are really cheap. Check out the HCL and you'll see many linux compatible modems.
Tux,

Moved: This thread is more suitable in Member Intro and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

Welcome to LQ! I hope you'll find answers to your questions here.