* Zach Babayco ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) [990726 18:47]:
> I'm thinking of installing Linux pretty soon, but I've heard that it won't
> work with a Winmodem. So, my questions are:
>
> 1. Why exactly won't it work;
PCI Winmodems do not operate as a standard serial modem does. They do
not share a common interface. It is often that two different winmodems
work totally differently from each other, let alone normal modems.
They use proprietry drivers, which are only written for Windows. The
only way to get a winmodem to work is to persuade its manufacturer to
create and support a driver for it for your OS. The modem
manufacturers will not (or have not so far) even released specs
showing how the modem may be interfaced. Even if they did, it would be
a nightmare to administrate, as each modem uses a different driver
interface.
> 2. How do I tell if I have a Winmodem; and
Generally the system specs will include a line such as:
*Requires Windows 95, NT 4.0-sp3 or newer.
Also, they're cheap.
Also, 95% of PCI modems *are* winmodems. (Some aren't though).
They tend to come pre-installed on modern Windows PCs.
Also, it won't work with Linux.
> 3. Is there any way to jury-rig it so I *can* use a Winmodem?
No.
-- Or, yes.
You may "Jury-rig" it, as so:
1) Remove winmodem.
2) Go to store and buy external 56K modem (guaranteed genuine - really
cheap).
3) Install new modem.
Sorry.
--
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