Can anyone recommend an external serial modem for Linux?

[Hullboy]

Well, I guess this could go in this forum or the hardware forum, but I figured more Linux users check into this one.

I've got Red Hat 7.2 installed. Really great install for a newbie, it just picked all my hardware out, no problem........

I'm posting this from my other box, on W2K with a software modem. I'm gonna leave that modem where it is and buy another for my linux box.

After reading around I believe the best option (given that I dial-up to an ISP) is to get an external serial modem (if this is wrong, feel free to say so!).

Trouble is, I can't seem to find any information on which external modem is a good choice. Linux sites seem to be quite vague. This may be because there's not much difference, but if I can I want to get the best bang for my buck.

Can any of you linux users out there recommend a manufacturer and model to hook up? I'd be real grateful!!

Thanks in advance for any replies.............

 

[Tiger]

Any outboard serial modem will work in Linux.

I'd suggest saving the money and getting an internal, ISA, modem.
Creative still makes a couple as does Zoom.

 

[Hullboy]

Thanks for the reply, Tiger.

It's interesting that you would suggest an ISA modem. To be honest, that was the last thing I'd have expected someone to suggest because the ISA slot is on the way out, and most people seem to sing the praises of external modems for diagnostics and reliability.

I just checked out the prices, and it seems that they are a little cheaper that external serial modems.

Tiger - firstly, thanks very much for replying to my question. Secondly, can you please let me know why you think an internal ISA is a better choice? I'd be grateful if you could expand on your reply.

Anyone else have any thoughts too!?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hullboy]

<BUMP>

 

[n0cmonkey]

Ive got a grey viking modem. Well I have had 2 of them so far, and both have worked great under Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and various versions of Windows. Nothing special though.

 

[Hullboy]

n0cmonkey, thanks for replying.

grey viking, eh? I'm from the UK and that doesn't seem to be purchasable here (I've checked out a few online price comparison sites but no luck).

Shame I can't follow that up, but thank you for answering!! I guess if you say it's nothing special then I didn't miss out on much.

There must be some linux users out there who are happy with their modem. I'm not saying you need to be head over heels about your modem, just pleased enough to pass on the info to others

Hope someone can help with this query...............

 

[n0cmonkey]

I always had trouble finding that particular modem online. I bought 2 of them (which should tell you something ), and bought one at a local CompUSA, and one at Circuit City. USR modems should be a good bet, especially the v.anything versions. They are a little more expensive though. I would stay clear of Creative Labs, only because I had a problem getting one to work well with one of my systems, but that probably could have been solved by reading some documentation

 

[NiPeng]

Well I've used Tornado, Courier (?), Dynalink and Diamond modems (all external) with linux.
Never had any real problems.

If you want to get an internal modem make sure it isn't a winmodem as most of them won't work in Linux (depends on the chipset).
I'm using the winmodem (linmodem now ) in my laptop, it connects at higher speeds than my psion goldcard v90.
I was lucky.

 

[DaHitman]

Newegg has a pretty good deal if you want a "NEW" modem:

3COM US Robotic v.90 56K Modem Model 2977 Data / Fax Only - No Voice - $43.00 (in stock)



<< Are you running BeOS, OS/2, Linux, and M$ Window$? Well then this is the only modem that will work for you. Its NOT a winmodem! No drivers are needed (it does come with a driver CD for Window$)! >>



http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=list&catalog=18



I am personally looking for a USRobitics external modem myself... they are on EBAY for 30-40 all the time..


BTW, a good hint to look for is "mac" compatable..

 

[manly]

In the past, I'd also recommend internal ISA hardware modems. However, like you said Hullboy, ISA is dead so go ahead and spend the few extra bucks for an external.

As far as brands, I'm not a reliable expert as to which ones are well made, but for Linux it doesn't really matter.

Modems are pretty standard components; it's been a myth ingrained by Windows that brand-specific modem "drivers" are required. In reality, most of them respond to the same commands. That's the way Linux treats hardware modems.

 

[n0cmonkey]

<< In the past, I'd also recommend internal ISA hardware modems. However, like you said Hullboy, ISA is dead so go ahead and spend the few extra bucks for an external.

As far as brands, I'm not a reliable expert as to which ones are well made, but for Linux it doesn't really matter.

Modems are pretty standard components; it's been a myth ingrained by Windows that brand-specific modem "drivers" are required. In reality, most of them respond to the same commands. That's the way Linux treats hardware modems. >>



For most chipsets Windows has 1 driver. It will work with 99% of the hardware modems out there.

 

[86plymouthcolt]

Check this out:


Manufacturer Model Status Distribution

3COM 000698-1 Courier I ISDN Mandrake 8.1
3COM 56K OfficeConnect Mandrake 8.1
3COM 56K PCI Mandrake 8.1
3COM 56K Voice/Fax PCI Mandrake 8.1
3COM OfficeConnect 511 ISDN Mandrake 8.1
3COM OfficeConnect 521 ISDN Mandrake 8.1
3COM OfficeConnect 531 ISDN Mandrake 8.1
3COM Sportster 56K Mandrake 8.1
ACER AMU-AA00 Voice/Fax Mandrake 8.1
ACTIONTEC 56K Fax PCMCIA Mandrake 8.1
ALCATEL Speed Touch USB ADSL Modem Mandrake 8.1
APEX DATA Mobile Direct 14.4K PCMCIA Mandrake 8.1
COM ONE 56K Data/Fax Modem PCMCIA Mandrake 8.1
CONCEPTRONIC CON56CLS Mandrake 8.1
CREATIVE LABS Modem Blaster Ext. Mandrake 8.1
D-LINK 56k V.90 USB modem Mandrake 8.1
DYNALINK ALE-070 USB ADSL Modem Mandrake 8.1
DYNALINK V.90 USB Pocket Modem Mandrake 8.1
ELSA 56003 MicroLink 56K Internet Mandrake 8.1
EPOX EP-R56EH Mandrake 8.1
GENIUS GM56E-V 56K Voice/Fax Mandrake 8.1
GENIUS GM56flexE-V 56K Voice/Fax Mandrake 8.1
OLITEC Speed'Com "2000" V2 Mandrake 8.1
TITAN FM-56XT Mandrake 8.1
VIKING External Windows Serial 56K Fa Mandrake 8.1
XIRCOM RealPort 56K PCMCIA2 Mandrake 8.1
ZOOM 2948 56K Fax

 

[Tiger]

Hullboy,

Sorry for the late reply.

I suggested internal ISA because they're cheaper and 99% of them are "Hardware" modems, not Winmodems.
Some of the PCI Winmodems are beginning to be supported in Linux, mainly those with the Lucent chipset.
One drawback is that you need to install the drivers for them in Linux, not a newbie friendly procedure.

Good luck.

 

[Hullboy]

Thank you very much for all your ideas.

I'm defininately going to buy an external serial modem.

Just two more questions, then I'm done!!

1. 86plymouthcolt - where did you get that list? (from a mandrake site, I expect, but do you have a link) and is there a list anywhere for all mainstream linux versions?

2. Can anyone name a good value for money external serial modem that works well with linux and produces consistently high connection speeds?

Thank you for any replies in advance.

 

[Hullboy]

Well, I've taken the plunge.

I went out and bought a second hand US Robotics 56K Faxmodem.

I'm confident this will work well (my linux abilities excepted).

No time to try it tonight, but I just wanted to say a big thanks to all of you who replied to my questions and helped to set me in the right direction!!

You just set one more linux user loose on the world................................ :Q