[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> "Garst R. Reese" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> >Now you've been screwed twice---once for the $108.00 that went to BG for
> >your _free_ windows and again to save the mfg. a few bucks and let the
> >winmodem steal your processor power and be incompatible with anything
> >else. They are not supported by Linux, the concept is not supported by
> >Linux, the morality is not supported by Linux, and I for one, hope it
> >stays that way.
>
> What is the winmodem "concept" you're talking about? Is a winmodem a
> piece of hardare or software? I'm guessing that it's similar to something
> Apple once tried called the GeoPort, which could be updated from 14.4 to 28.8
> using software. Is the winmodem concept the same?
>
> thanks,
> tsly
Modern modems are essentially another processor and do a lot of work on
the incoming and outgoing signals. Winmodems use simpler hardware logic
by making your CPU take on this work load. The interface software
between the stripped down hardware and windows is not standardized and
is proprietary. The manufacturers of this hardware/software kludge have
chosen not to release the specs---I suspect because it would be too
embarrassing. For people running a single user, dog slow OS, who are
used to watching an hour-glass, it probably does not make an difference.
But they would save a lot more money if they got a computer without
pre-installed software.
--
Garst
