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Well, since you asked!

1. 5. How about PCI modems? Are all PCI modems winmodems?

   No, there are at least four controller-based PCI modems. If you are curious, these modems are the Multitech MT5634ZPX-PCI, the Actiontec PCI56012 (IBM 33L4618 or GVC MD0223), the 3Com/USR 3CP5610, and the Zoom 2920 (Digitan DS550-558). The Well Communications FM-56PCI-TP (GVC MD0321) has Linux support, but I have not received a user confirmation yet.

Source: Winmodems are not modems

The Actiontec even includes 6 pages of Linux directions (basically how to point /dev/modem to the right port). The down side is that they don't seem to answer email. (1 data point)

Unfortunately, he has a controllerless/software 'winmodem', so replacing it has become a priority.

Looking into it, I was surprised that there are some decient PCI hardware modems now -- not just the winmodem crap.

The one getting the most discussion on Usenet is the Actiontech Call Waiting modem. One simple reason is that they have 6 pages of documentation for Windows setup...and 6 pages of documentation for Linux setup!

They're not just putting a Linux sticker on the box, they back it up. It's cheap for a hardware modem (~$70-80 before rebates), and is available in most stores and over the Internet.

Now, having said that, they do make controlerless modems, so make sure you get the right one.

Multitech, USR, Zoom, IBM, GVC, and a few other companies make PCI hardware modems that work with Linux, but it looks like they aren't promoting or supporting the Linux compatable hardware as much. (Corrections appreciated!)

Before getting zapped on a PCI modem, take a look at the detailed Winmodems are not modems page.

This is one of the FAQ on winmodems; if you do a search on Deja.com, you'll find the answer. Or, check out this site or this one.

"why hasn't some Linux developer written a driver for them?"

Kinda tough to write code for something you can't get specs to.

From the Winmodems are not Modems MiniFAQ: (third section on the page)
3. But someone must have adapted or reverse-engineered one by now!
Winmodem vendors will not release the source code. Without it, creating a software modem is a non-trivial programming task.

There's a link to Deja.com on the subject. Appears the manufaturers don't want to release specs for the community until there's a demand. There isn't really a demand because people know that Winmodems don't work with Linux.

Feel free to draw your own conclusions...

Here's my copy of DeCSS. Where's yours?

The built-in modem in my Inspiron 7500 laptop is a winmodem - a Lucent model if I am not mistaken.

Apparently there is a "Linmodem" driver available for the Lucent Winmodem in Inspiron 7500s, see the Winmodems are not modems page..

I *have not* tried this yet, but I have high hopes that I won't have to shell out for a PCMCIA modem (and use up a slot)! I would love to hear from anyone who has tried this driver, particularly on a Dell Inspiron laptop.

It's great to see Dell selling Linux on Inspiron 7500s, but some of us (most of us?) need Windows too. I didn't see a dual-boot (or better yet, VMware configuration for sale...

The Winmodems are not modems web page has posted a letter on how to work these babies.

By the way, get rid of the "exec" part if this is used in the rc.serial file and start with "setserial" and the rest of the settings.
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The Winmodems are not modems web page has posted a letter on how to work these babies.

By the way, get rid of the "exec" part if this is used in the rc.serial file and start with "setserial" and the rest of the settings.
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All PCI Modems are NOT WinModems. Contrary to popular belief, an increasing number of new PCI modems are being released with controllers and hence with some configging WILL be compatible with Linux. There are even 2 companies (Actiontec & forgot the other one) which actively promote or even support their PCI modems as Linux-compatible.

Go to the semi-official Linux Modem Knowledge Base for more information on this:
http://www.o2.net/~gromitkc/winmodem.html

As far as 3Com/USRobotics PCI modems are concerned, MOST of their PCI modems are WinModems (all of them until August 99). The 3CP5610 released in August is a notable exception that has already been configured for DOS & Linux by many. Its apparent "Voice" version, the 3CP5609 is unknown compatability, but it is EXPECTED to work with Linux.

The brand new "Internet Gaming Modem" is model 3CP5613 which follows the above naming pattern which MAY indicate its non-WinModem status. Please note that all previous 56K 3Com modems (before 3CP5610) had a naming scheme of: 00056XX or 00056XX-XX whereas these NEW modems are: 3CP56XX.

Additionally, I'd like to add that I called 3Com over a week ago to ask them what PCI modems were NON-WinModems and they basically had no clue. Two different Tech Service people had never even heard of the Gaming Modem. One person told me the above-mentioned 3CP5610 wasn't a WinModem, and one told me that it it was. (it's NOT a WinModem since its already been used in Linux). Additionally, one tech person told me the 0005690 PCI Voice Modem is a hardware (controller modem) and should work in Linux since the box doesn't say "WinModem", but this is totally FALSE since according to both the above Linux Modem Database and other sources, this modem is NOT LINUX COMPATIBLE... What does this mean? Basically you can't trust the 3Com sources because they don't know what the hell they're talking about. And you can't be sure if a modem without the "WinModem" or "for Windows" designation is really Linux-compatible.

BTW: If anyone is interested in getting either the 3CP5610 (LinuxCompatible) or Gaming Modem 3CP5613 PCI Modems for cheap, go to www.valueamerica.com and use your ValueDollars for 1/2 price (assuming you already knew about that scam, since your chance for 120 free ValueDollars ended Thursday night). You could buy either modem for $60 using ValueDollars. The sweet Linux-compatible 5605 External Serial&USB modem could be purchased for $200/2 = $100 also. VA also has a ton of other modems that may or may not be Linux Compatible. Just note that of the 4 3Com modems with $20 rebates (that expire October 30!!) only the 5687 Internal ISA and the 5686 External Serial are Linux-compatible.

On a final note: I will agree that a 56k PCI Modem is a bit overkill for a low bandwidth device, but ISA seems to be going the way of the dodo, which leaves us PCI, external Serial (is this being phased out too??), or external USB (with Linux USB support in dev)... You make the call!

Posted by Neothi:

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