I must replace a failing external (dial-up) modem for Internet access -
running Debian, 2.4.23 kernel on P4 box with hyperthreading. Hawking makes
a nice USB modem, but no mention of using it with Linux.

My setup includes an external HD, two printers and a Zip drive - all running
USB with no problem. Shouldn't a USB modem work as well? Or would I be
better off buying another serial port modem?

Thanks!
Roby

Roby wrote:
> My setup includes an external HD, two printers and a Zip drive - all
> running
> USB with no problem. Shouldn't a USB modem work as well?

Yes, if it follows the USB Communication Device standard
(http://www.usb.org/developers/devcla.../usbcdc11.pdf).
Unfortunately there are some USB "winmodems" that require
vendor-specific drivers to work. See http://www.qbik.ch/usb/devices/
for list of tested devices.

--
Markku Kolkka
markku.kolkka@iki.fi

On Tue, 17 Feb 2004 22:21:35 +0000, Roby wrote:

> I must replace a failing external (dial-up) modem for Internet access -
> running Debian, 2.4.23 kernel on P4 box with hyperthreading. Hawking makes
> a nice USB modem, but no mention of using it with Linux.
>
> My setup includes an external HD, two printers and a Zip drive - all running
> USB with no problem. Shouldn't a USB modem work as well? Or would I be
> better off buying another serial port modem?
You would be more certain of a serial modem working and that is the route
I would choose.

--
Neil
Delete delete to get address

"Roby" <nada@nada.net> wrote in message
news:PtwYb.12824$aH3.417146@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> I must replace a failing external (dial-up) modem for Internet access -
> running Debian, 2.4.23 kernel on P4 box with hyperthreading. Hawking
makes
> a nice USB modem, but no mention of using it with Linux.
>
> My setup includes an external HD, two printers and a Zip drive - all
running
> USB with no problem. Shouldn't a USB modem work as well? Or would I be
> better off buying another serial port modem?


There is a standard for USB full CPU modems (such as what an ordinary
Serial modem ) is.
The linux driver calls it ACM , so an ACM USB modem should work

There are linux drivers for non-ACM USB modems, such as for smartlink modems
(netcomm rave). But they are painful. EG for smartlink its a bit painful to
get these things to work for each distribution and kernel version ...
nonstandard binary only drivers... well they provide a compiling interface
that aims to wrap the binary driver so it can load into your kernel.


If you need a USB -> serial port converter, you still have to get one with
linux drivers

>
> Thanks!
> Roby

On Sun, 17 Feb 3904 22:21:35, Roby <nada@nada.net> wrote:

> My setup includes an external HD, two printers and a Zip drive - all running
> USB with no problem.

My Iomega USB2 750MB Zip drive causes P.O.S.T (i.e. the first part of
booting) to freeze if it's powered up.
if I then power it down the startup continues successfully.

Have you had anything like that?

Maurice Batey (Retired in Hampshire, UK)

http://www.maurice.eurobell.co.uk

(Change "no.spam" to "." in E-mail address.)

Maurice Batey wrote:

> On Sun, 17 Feb 3904 22:21:35, Roby <nada@nada.net> wrote:
>
>> My setup includes an external HD, two printers and a Zip drive - all
>> running USB with no problem.
>
> My Iomega USB2 750MB Zip drive causes P.O.S.T (i.e. the first part of
> booting) to freeze if it's powered up.
> if I then power it down the startup continues successfully.
>
> Have you had anything like that?
>
> Maurice Batey (Retired in Hampshire, UK)
>
> http://www.maurice.eurobell.co.uk
>
> (Change "no.spam" to "." in E-mail address.)

My USB Zip drive is the IOmega 100mB, which receives its power right from
the USB port. I have never had problems booting with it plugged into the
USB port. Also, Linux (2.4.23 kernel) is able to find it on the bus if I
plug it in after booting.

Do you suppose yours fails because you Brits drive on the wrong side of the
road? Hm, probably not.

Roby