winmodem

[Roger Tober]

I was thinking of installing linux but I heard it doesn't support winmodems. Is this true?

[Eccentric]

True! Winmodems only have drivers written for Windows. It can be ported to Linux, with manufacturers permission, but it's cheaper to buy a real modem.

[Roger Tober]

Are all real modems supported by linux or do I need a certain brand? I was looking at one called a maxtech for about $30.

[Eccentric]

I can't say all, but most are. If they take typical init strings then you should be alright. Here's the link to hardware compatibility:
http://www.linux.ncsu.edu/LDP/HOWTO/Hardware-HOWTO.html

[Eccentric]

Even better, this site runs down the list of Winmodems, and modems that are proven to work with Linux. (non-winmodems)
http://www.o2.net/~gromitkc/19990419a.html

[Dunx]

Useful page, that - I knew WinModems were out there, but I didn't realise that the nice shiny new Aptiva I bought a few weeks ago was cursed with one (because the modem description in Modem.Properties used the obscure TLA "HCF"). Explains a lot.

Time to wheel out my old Sportster 33.6...