PCI Modem

[LesPaul]

I'm a newbie, and just installed Mandrake 6.0. I hear PCI modems are not good, something about how they are like Winmodems.. Can anybody explain further on this? Is there anything I can do other than purchasing an external modem? I'd like to avoid that option.

-LesPaul

[Eccentric]

PCI modems are Winmodems I'd say 95% of the time. Basically a Winmodem implements firmware in software instead of hardware, thus reducing the cost of the modem. Currently the only drivers for Winmodems are written for Windows. I haven't heard of any plans for developers for Linux writing drivers for Winmodems either. So you're stuck with get an ISA or external modem. ISA modems "can" be a pain in the arse, so I'd recommend an external one, simply because they work from the start.

[Geoff]

Nor would anybody want to write linux drivers for a winmodem, winmodems suck!!! http://discussions.linuxplanet.com//smile.gif

External modems have served me well, I don't like internal ones.

[The Rock]

What about Creative Labs Modem Blaster 56K? Is this a winmodem? I know it has options for DOS mode, but I can't seem to find out whether or not it's Linux-compatible, and I've scoured lotsa FAQs, howto's, and compatibility lists. Anyone here use one?

The Rock

[LesPaul]

Haha, That's what I have, and that's why I'm asking..

-LesPaul

[lladnar]

I have the same modem and e-mailed the tech support number and they told me that they did have a ModemBlaster that worked with Linux but it wasn't the model that I have. It is now sitting on my shelf while I wonder what I am going to do with it and I am using the $10 33.6 modem I bought for my cheap computer. Heh

Their e-mail is : support@digicomsys.com