PCI Modems and Linux? 25
Torey
asks:
"I recently acquired a Fujitsu 985TX laptop which I was
informed was very Linux compatible. Well, so far it appears
to be only 90% compatible. The built in modem appears to
be a PCI modem (lspci reports it is a Lucent
Microelectronics modem), which I have experienced to be
highly unsupported in the kernel. Has anyone been
successful in getting one of these to work?
The PnP tools didn't notice it either. Any help would be
greatly appreciated." What other PCI modems are
problematic with Linux? Which ones do you all recommend?
Re:PCI modems == bad (Score:2)
Does anyone know what kind of support Linux has for USB and where one might find more information about it?
Linux currently does not have USB support in the kernel. There is a USB project, its homepage is at http://peloncho.fis.ucm.es/~inaky/uusb d-www [fis.ucm.es]. Make sure to read the FAQ. [fis.ucm.es]
This project probably won't find its way directly into the kernel. From what I hear, the kernel developers want to redo the low level device driver stuff to better handle hot-swappable devices in general (PCMCIA, USB, FireWire, PPA, etc.) then add a cleaner USB implementation on top of that. In the meantime, this USB project is pretty heavily used, particularly in the LinuxPPC world (iMac requires USB support to do anything).
Re:Show that Linux users don't play favourites.. (Score:1)
Winmodems are not modems (Score:1)
I found this to be a helpful link when I was looking for a modem to purchase for use under Linux and Windows.
Winmodems are not modems [o2.net]
ActionTec (Score:1)
http://www.actiontec.com [actiontec.com]
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If Bill Gates had a nickel for every time Windows crashed...
PCI modems == bad (Score:1)
I personally have a 3Com/USRobotics Internal 56K Sportster. (Works like a clock, 45333 bps every time) I plan, however to replace it with an external USR Voice Modem.
For my money (now that I actually have some), the only way to go for a modem is an external one. That way you know that it isn't Windows only. Furthermore, externals are virtually (I know, there are probably exceptions) guaranteed to work under Linux.
hrmmm.... (Score:1)
some onboard modems on laptops actually show up as pcmcia devices and these would likely be supported by cardmgr, but otherwise, you probably just want do disable it in the bios and pick up a pcmcia (or better yet an external) modem. try pricewatch or somebody else on the web, you'll probably find one for under a hundred bucks.
small price to pay for not having to run a crippled OS.
Linux + PCI modem (Score:1)
Show that Linux users don't play favourites.. (Score:1)
Now, I was looking around for spec info on these LT modems, but couldn't find any. I did find this page on PCI Modems and Linux [sunysb.edu], hope it helps someone.
Re:So how do you tell if it's a WinModem? (Score:2)
Look for DOS and/or OS/2 compatibility advertised. As far as I know, WinModem drivers have never been released for DOS, so you can be sure it's a real modem.
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Re:Show that Linux users don't play favourites.. (Score:2)
What's the real cost difference to the manufacturer? $1? $5? Does anyone know?
Hopefully, the WinModem trend is dying out. I know a couple companies that refuse to buy any equipment that ships with a winmodem. This rules out a bunch of laptops that might otherwise be considered. (Of course this is commercial equipment and commercial pricing. I have to think that a $500 PC is going to be problematic hardware-wise, even with Windows.)
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Re:So how do you tell if it's a WinModem? (Score:2)
Thanks for the correction. It should be noted also that the IBM MWave is a DSP modem/soundcard that runs under DOS, OS/2, and Windows. There might be some Linux support, but it seems like a common complaint that there isn't.
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Re:So how do you tell if it's a WinModem? (Score:1)
HCF PCI internals (Score:1)
All I can hope is that one day, somewhere, some place, on the box will be "Linux Compatible" or "Optimised for Linux". One can only hope.
Not even PCI (Score:1)
Re:PCI modems == bad (Score:1)
Does anyone know what kind of support Linux has for USB and where one might find more information about it?