2 Questions.

[Infonick]

My first question is, what does "the modem failed to respond" mean? I use the internet thing in Mandrake 7.2. I got the same error with Red Hat 7.0 using their internet thing. My second question is, is it possible to install no RPM files, and if so how? I've spent about a month trying to figure these things out without any success. Any help will be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in the second questions since I use Mandrake 7.2 standadr which doesn't have all the tools I want and I don't want to shell out 70 some bucks for SuSe (which has many tools I like, such as programming).

[fancypiper]

The modem either isn't configured correctly or it's a winmodem. Checkout the modem how-to (http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/Modem-HOWTO.html) for info.

RPM files are Redhat Package Manager files. I think Slackware doesn't use them.

If you're having troubling updating, Red Carpet (from gnome) is looking to be a very promising application. I love it.

Everything for Linux if available for download at no charge and cheapbytes and linuxcentral sell the CDs for about $2 each.

[Infonick]

How would I configure my modem then (it is designed to work with Linux).

[optech]

well, allow me to be the first to say "RTFM!"
it appears that you have NOT researched this at all. I don't mean to sound like i'm flaming, but these questions seem rather lame.

'modem not responding' means one thing. the modem is NOT responding. this could be due to a hardware or software error, or it could be that it's not plugged in, or has the wrong number. whatever the error would be, no one on this site could possibly answer this from the info given.

as for installing 'non-rpm' files, i believe you are referring to an install via source code? this is done by downloading a file (usually in *tar.gz format)... download these files to your home directory (or /usr/src... or a directory you can make yourself) and un-tar it by 'tar -zxvf <filename>" and this puts the source files into a directory where the tar.gz is located. cd to that directory and read the file named README or INSTALL... it will tell you how to configure and install the source...
this is usually done by typing:
./configure
make
make install

but different applications have different install procedures.

i'm sorry if the first part of my post seemed like a flame, but you clearly didn't research your questions prior to posting. and you're first question was a little too vague to be answered in full detail.

[irlandes]

Originally posted by optech:
<STRONG>well, allow me to be the first to say "RTFM!"
</STRONG>

...and the horse you rode in on, guy.

The problem with newbies, is not knowing which F..... manual to read. There are many of them, and they don't have the same stuff.

Also, manuals written by those who don't need them are usually worthless. Example: Mandrake 7.2 manual goes into great length how to install RPM packages, and none of it makes any sense - or works. All you have to do, is mount the CD (not needed in 7.2 which has automount) and go to the file you want, click on it, and 7.2 automatically sets up kpackage to install it. Wouldn't you think they could tell you that in the FM??

Also, of course, right now, the forum search function is not working, so there are going to be a lot of questions asked that have already been answered.

[Infonick]

Jeez, I didn't mean to get you so upset. For your information, I have spent about a month reading through tutorials (the "HOWTO's at http://www.linux.com). I haven't seen anything that would work. I asked about installing things since I only seem things about RPMs. As for my modem, that is all I know about the problem. Also, I only asked what that error means. I type in my internet service information, and I look to make that the computer has a modem (which it does), but I get the same error. I thought this was a site for Newbies, I guess not. Maybe if I find a place for advance Linux users I can get some answers for Newbies, instead of going to Newbie site and only being allowed to ask advanced questions. Just out of curiosity, would I have to spend a year trying to solve two problems before you would think that I had spent enough time researching my questions, since a month is obviously not long enough for you. Since I see that asking Newbie questions here is just going to get me flamed I'm gonna leave this board and find some other site. I don't have to put up with this. Thanks for your responses (Fancypiper and somewhat irlands). Don't worry optech, you won't see me on this board anymore; I don't want to have to deal with a jerk like you. Bye everyone!

[optech]

well **** man... i didn't mean any offense... i tried to the best of my abilities to even ANSWER your questions... it wasn't a "leave this board, you're not good enough"... and i said it SEEMS like you didn't research your question before hand... i'm sorry if you took offense to my post...
you don't have to leave on account of me being a jerk... really... this board is full of helpful, friendly people... i was just cranky, and had just finished dealing with some white trash ******* that threw peanuts at my GF while we out for dinner... he was drunk and being loud and obnoxious, and threw a peanut at my GF... i stood up and yelled at him... so i was kinda pissy...

once again, sorry...

[optech]

oh, and by the way, i'm not an 'advanced' linux user... i'm still a newbie myself.
so this wasn't a 'cocky guru' reply.

[Infonick]

Oh. I guess I over-reacted way too much. I shoudln't have gotten so upset. I guess I gave the impression that I didn't look enough. After seeing what happened to you, I see why you could be in a bad mood (I get in bad moods when similar sort of things happen). I'll stay here, it looks this will turn out to be a good community afterall. Thanks optech, when I get my computer back I'll try what you said (it's at my Dad's house now for him to work on getting the modem to work). If you knew me a little better you'd know I usually don't ask questions without seraching for awhile, but I'm knew here so I can see why. Thanks for apoligizing optech; I guess I over-reacted and I'm sorry too.

[optech]

hey man, it's cool... you'll find this board is great, until an argument pops up concerning three important issues:
VI or EMACS
DEBIAN or SLACKWARE
CANADA or USA

these 3 issues seem to pop up and divide the whole LNO community... it really sucks. i don't see why people can't just accept the fact that people are different and have different opinions... i believe in protecting your own opinions, but i also believe it is imperitive to RESPECT other people's opinions... know what i mean? spread the word. opression was a fad.

[FoBoT]

one thing everybody has to keep in mind is that we are all at different levels with linux, and just looking at somebodies post count or time since they registered here doesn't mean squat

i post a lot of sillyness and yet remain low on the 'linux guruness' totem pole

i know a little aboot a few things, but i read tons of posts here everyday that are so over my head that i barely understand what they are talking aboot let alone have any clue as to how to help

we are all in this together! :)

just a bunch of linuxnewbies stirring the pot ;)

[Infonick]

I know what you guys mean. Looks like I don't have to worry about two of the touchy areas on this board (I only have to worry about the Canada/America one since I'm from America).

[RobMc]

There should be a linux commercial where two coders are arguing,
Debian!
(Other guy or gal)Slackware!
Debian!--It goes on and on, 'til a
smiling guy in a suit shows up and says to the other two, "You're BOTH right! With its world-famous stability and configurability, Linux can handle anything!.." etc.,var.,/usr/local.,etc.--.
Turbolinux 4!! :p