# Guides to software management
LNAG - How do I install a program I downloaded from the Internet?
Rute Guide's software explanation
You might want to check out CheckInstall to manage source code installations/uninstallation

# Modem and connection troubleshooting
WinModems and Linux
Modem HOWTO
Modem NHFs
Linmodems.org
Conexant/Rockwell modem HOWTO
The Unofficial PCTel Linux Driver page
I finaly got my PcTel hsp56 mr modem to work
Linux driver for Winmodems with Lucent Apollo (ISA) and Mars (PCI) chipsets
Lucent AMR modem listed as an Intel AC'97 - Smart Link Modems
The kppp Handbook
Dial-up Networking Configuration Using KDE's Kppp
Troubleshooting ISP Connection Problems

# Compiling/installing kernel modules
You will need to have installed:
1. The developmental packages (compiler)
2. The kernel source code that matches your running kernel
3. The module source or install code

Check out your system and look under the hood and see if you installed the stuff you need to do the job. Open an x terminal and type in this sequence of commands to see what kernel we are running and see if you have the kernel source installed:I am running kernel version 2.4.18-3. Do I have the proper source code?I do have the same kernel version source code installed in the directory /usr/src/linux-2.4.18-3 and there is a symbolic link named linux-2.4 pointing to it.

If you don't see something similiar to this (but in color), you will need to install the kernel source.

NOTE: I noticed that Red Hat didn't make the symbolic link /usr/src/linux that all of the INSTALL files that I have read mentioned that I need, so I may as well make one now to save editing the files in the source code to install.So, I'll make it just now:Ah, there it is, so that's done.

Next, did I install the compiler?Yes, I have a compiler installed.

If you don't have those two things installed, you have to install them first off your install CD.

If they are installed, download the source and happy comiling. Make sure you carefully read the README and INSTALL files after extracting and before compiling/installing.

# Mandrake links
Mandrake home page
Mandrake Users website
Easy urpmi config for Mandrake
urpmi mini-HOWTO
Easy software management: Red Carpet
Maximum RPM
rpmfind
You didn't install the developmental packages? As root, command:
urpmi gcc
An Introduction to the Midnight Commander. You can install it by commanding:
urpmi mc
Midnight Commander home page

open a terminal, go to the directory where you put your downloaded files (the .rpm ones) (typing cd /directory_name)

became root (type su root)

try typing
rpm -i ltmodem-8.26a9-2mdk.i586.rpm --nodeps

then type
rpm -i ltmodem-kernel2.4.21.0.13-8.26a9-2mdk.i586.rpm --nodeps

that would solve problems... i hope... your modem maight be recognized when you restart.

about .tar file: if you are tolking about the source you must untar it (you can do it using ark or any other compression program you can find in your installation cd), then you must compile it ( you must install also kernel-source and a lot of other stuff as fancypiper's message says , read README file you must find in the untared directory...).

try first with rpm pakages, as compiling could be little difficult (but not impossible even for a newbie)

let me know.

it still doesn't recognize my modem when i use the onternet and network connection wizard.. the file says it is already installed.. but it still does not detect te modem...

STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE:

1) Is this an on-board modem? If yes, then you have to enter BIOS (usually by pressing ESC just after machine is turned on), then configure the following setting to "No":

Plug and Play aware OS? (Set this to No).

2) Install kernel-source (which will provide kernel headers).
uprmi kernel-source

3) Download the source code: ltmodem*.tar.gz from one of the links provided above.
- Save it to /tmp
- Extract it:
cd /tmp
tar -zxvf ltmodem*tar.gz
cd ltmodem*tar.gz
./build_module
- Become root in order to install it:
su
- Install it:
./ltinst2
- Activate autoloading on demand:
./autoload

- Make a symbolic link from /dev/modem to /dev/ttyLT0 or to /dev/tts/LT0:
ln -sf /dev/tts/LT0 /dev/modem

- Edit /etc/modules and add the following lines:
lt_serial
lt_modem

- Load the modules:
modprobe lt_serial
modprobe lt_modem

- Install KPPP:
uprmi kppp

- Exit "root" status:
exit

- Start kppp
kppp

- Go to modem configuration, find "Talk to modem" button, and test it....

- Create new Dial-up account...

Andreas

don't use internet wizards, because "The modem drivers are NOT loaded on boot up, but are loaded on demand (typically by ppp initiation)". so you must install kppp, create an account , then open it and chose setup. in device under 'modem device' choose /dev/modem , then in modem try 'ask modem'. you must have a reponse from it... i hope... if so everything is ok.
if doesn't work try removing rpms and compile the tar file as written above.

I just got this new modem... it is a creative labs pci modem blaster.. can i set ths up easily as compared to the lucent one? i just downloadedthe file fro the lucent website and it is an hcf.. wat do i need to next?

Post the output of this:

cat /proc/pci
or
lspci

Go to http://www.smlink.com and download their driver for linux. It works on my Toshiba Satellite 1905 modem. Then after you unpack the driver in linux read the readme file and follow it to the letter and in under 15 min you should have your modem up and running.