Winmodems

[TRN]

A friend of mine has been trying to install Linux. However, she is not getting past the problem with her modem. It is an Intel HaM winmodem. Mandrake 9.0 installed but she couldn't get connected to the Internet.

Is there a distribution with the driver already included so that she does not have to download the driver after the install? If not, how can she connect in her windows partition, download the file, and then retrieve it on her Linux partition? Is there an EASY way for someone who isn't a Linux expert. She's good with computers but just started with Linux.

[Davepet]

The first step I would try is following the links here:
http://www.linmodems.org/
to see if there are any drivers available.

If that doesn't help, chances are she will need to get a different modem. I borrowed a USR courier v34 external to connect under Linux.

Dave

[TRN]

Sure sure. But is there a distribution that includes these drivers? She can download the drivers from Intel but that will not help her if her connection is only when she's in the Window's partition. She could download it on the Window's partition, mount it, and then extract from there but that is a bit much for a new user.

I just can't think of a distribution that includes all of this for the new user so that they do not have to go and download with a different OS -- kind of defeats the purpose. Just think if she hadn't kept Windows. Then where would she be? Up the creek without a paddle. It's not good to tell someone that Linux is good -- so after you install it you have to use Windows to go get this and that ... :shock:

[gabbman]

Winmodem's are the spawn of the 'modem devil', and totally controlled by those in charge of the 'evil empire'. :evil:

The only known cure, extration, and replacement with a 'real' modem. :P

Winmodems, like AOL disc's, are filling the landfill sites. :lol:

[Davepet]

I wasn't so much suggesting that she download the driver as I was suggesting to check to see if linux drivers were even available for that modem.

No point in looking for a distro if nobody has written drivers yet.

Xandros supports SOME winmodems & installs the drivers automatically, but I'm not sure if it supports that particular modem.

It didn't support my usr winmodem, but got the external (real) one set up during the install witout my lifting a finger.

Maybe we need to start a "Friends don't let friends use winmodems " campaign ;o)

Dave

[Davepet]

Just FYI:

Xandros also auomatically mounts all my windoze partitions, & I have had no problem retrieving & using the files .

Dave

[Davepet]

From the hardware compatability page at Xandros:


Supported Internet Devices

* Classic Modems (PCI/External/Non plug and play ISA)
* External DSL Connections (PPPoE Support Included)
* External Cable Modems
* Lucent Technology - Winmodem Support
* PCI/USB Lan Connections


You could post over there & see if anyone has that modem & if it got set up during install.

Dave

[Davepet]

How are you making out on this?

Dave

[muskrat]

I aggree....

The only known cure, extration, and replacement with a 'real' modem. :P

Winmodems, like AOL disc's, are filling the landfill sites. :lol:[/quote]

It's a shame we (that includes me) let Windoze get so big before we tried some other OS, now it's going to be a battle to get the market place back.

It's a shame we (that includes me) let Windoze get so big before we tried some other OS, now it's going to be a battle to get the market place back.

We have all been guilty, but here's the cure:

One modem at a time, one downloaded distro at a time, one Ctl>Alt>Del ... Insert new Distro at a time. :)