Mandrake 10 2.6.3-7 modem install

[Robert Nairn]

Hello   I am new to Linux and have got a copy of Mandrake10 from Dick Smith   I have tried three different modems and god only knows how many different drivers in my computer and cannot get any to work properly. Regardless of how many webpage's I read (form windows).   The original modem in this computer had the best chances it is a PCTEL ANR/CNR that I got drivers for from SmartLink. It was the only driver that compiled, but it didn't create the modem device properly the instructions said it would create character tty device entry '/dev/ttySL0'. I proceeded anyway to configure kppp which seemed alright selecting the modem was fine but after querying it the ATI's came back empty i.e.. blank. Continued anyway to dial up but it just hangs on the initialization process and goes no further.   I am going to start with a fresh install, as I have done a lot of mucking around compiling different things.   So my first question when installing, it asks what things you would like to install, I select most of the options, but what should I really be selecting if I want to use this computer for general use e.g.. Internet/email, games, office applications, photographic work, and a little c programming but most importantly setting a modem up.   Thanks   Rob Nairn