[H-GEN] Recommendations for a cheap internal modem which works with Linux and Windows

[Rod Hurford]

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It is easier to use a "hardware" modem with linux than it is to use a 
"software" modem.

A hardware modem has all of its functions 'built-in' whereas a software 
modem emulates some hardware using software. Most (if not all) PCI 
modems are software modems and AFAIK very few are supported under linux 
(they are designed for Windows and sometimes also referred to as 
winmodems and naturally are fully functional when using windows :-( ).
I have a preference for internal modems as I have found them to be 
simpler to use (ie they are always there and turned on), do not require 
any wiring apart from plugging the phone line into and I do not remember 
ever having any problems with them. Other people seem to think that an 
external modem is better as it can be 'reset' by cycling the power on 
(an internal would require the PC to be rebooted) and the indicator 
lights seem to convey some sort of special meaning.
I am fortunate (?) enough to have a PIII with one ISA slot in it so I 
use an internal ISA modem from Conexant, I also tried a PCI modem from 
Conexant and initially not get it to work but later managed it after 
some research - now I have 2 modems :-) .

The moral of the story is simple: do your research first: see what your 
hardware can support (ISA vs PCI vs external), see what linux will 
support (e.g. http://www.linux.org/hardware/, 
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Modem-HOWTO, 
http://www.idir.net/~gromitkc/winmodem, 
http://www.idir.net/~gromitkc/winmodem ), check your wallet (PCI modems 
can be as cheap as $40 (approx), ISA modems are rare and are relatively 
expensive - mine cost me $120 (approx), external modems can be even more 
expensive), find out what is available (eg favourite computer shop) and 
then buy the modem of your choice and enjoy :-)

Rod



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