Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 15:56:10 -0700 From: David Johnson <djohnson@acuson.com> To: Annelise Anderson <andrsn@andrsn.stanford.edu> Cc: freebsd-newbies@FreeBSD.ORG Subject: Re: MODEM & THE COMPLETE FREEBSD Message-ID: <3BC6238A.C3A8229@acuson.com> References: <Pine.BSF.4.10.10110111507540.16465-100000@andrsn.stanford.edu>
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Annelise Anderson wrote: > Someone asked me how one determines whether or not one has a winmodem. > (Macs sometimes have the equivalent of winmodems also.) Of course > they don't work, but the user doesn't know for sure whether it's > because it's a winmodem or because ppp or whatever is not properly > set up--and thus doesn't know whether or not to give up. It's getting harder and harder to know. But there are a few of rules of thumb: 1) If the modem box says it will work with DOS, then it is a component modem. Since few people use DOS anymore, it is becoming rare to see this. Note that there are a few "linmodems" out there, which are winmodems with Linux software. So it's still risky to trust even a modem that says "Linux". 2) Since winmodems need software, check with the manufacturer for software updates or fixes. If there are, then it is a winmodem. If you have the floppy/cd that comes with the modem, see if it actually has software in it, or merely configuration settings for Windows. If it is just configuration settings, then it is a component modem. 3) If you have an external modem, then you are safe. If you are shopping for a modem, then get an external for the extra $40. It's well worth it, even for Windows users. > I also know of no question I can ask a sales person that they have a > chance of answering to determine whether the modem in a laptop is a > "winmodem." If you ask a knowledgable salesperson they would know. Unfortunately, finding a knowledgable salesperson is as difficult as finding a component modem :-( One thing I have told people to do is to simply demand a refund or replacement for winmodems. It won't work everytime, but I've seen it work often enough, even with the big box stores like Best Buy. Escalate the issue up to managers and vice presidents if you have to. David To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-newbies" in the body of the message
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