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2. Linmodems

2.1 What is a Linmodem?

A Linmodem is the Linux implementation of a "winmodem" (see disclaimer). These devices are 'less than' a modem in the sense that they depend on software to perform, to a greater or lesser extent, the functions traditionally handled by modem hardware. The rationale for this is, of course, that software is cheaper than hardware, and can be upgraded/expanded/improved without the use of screwdrivers (usually); however, for the modem to function at all, one requires software that can run on one's preferred operating system.

2.2 Which Linmodem hardware is supported?

At the time of this writing, only a few winmodems will work under Linux:

2.3 How can I find out if my GeeWhiz 9.8.7 Modem / Laptop has one of these chipsets?

Information from the system

If you're already running Linux, you can obtain information about installed hardware using commands like:

The Device Manager under Windows can provide similar information, but it should be noted that a manufacturers will often simply put its brand name on a built-in modem, so this information may not be as useful as you might hope (e.g., what chipset does a "Compaq Internal 56k" modem have?).

Modem names and Identification Numbers

If you know the precise name of your modem, you can try searching the large Linux Modem Compatibility database at Rob Clark's site. The color/letter code on the left side of the table will indicate if your modem is known to function or not under Linux. The code "LM" indicates a Linmodem, and the modem notes should indicate which driver you need. A "WM" means it's a winmodem, but no support is known to exist. Be careful not to assume that modems with similar names will contain the same chipsets, or will necessarily behave similarly whatsoever! Your WhizBang LX56 and your friend's WhizBang GT56 could have entirely different innards.

If you do not know the precise name of your modem, you can search based on the identification number of the modem: on every modem there must be printed a registration number, which may either be the board producer's designation, or, alternatively, an FCC registration number. An example photo of such an ID number on a modem board can be found at http://www.kcdata.com/~gromitkc/fcc1.jpg on Rob Clark's site. You can then proceed to use your web browser to search his table of modems and FCC ID's to obtain chipset/driver information. Alternatively, you can directly search the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database at http://www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid/. Read the directions carefully, and be careful not to confuse O (the letter) with 0 (the number), and other possible mixups.

Laptops, Internal Modems, Machines You Don't Own

You may not be able to obtain the FCC ID number if you have a laptop which you prefer not to open up, or are looking to buy a particular machine and the vendor has not been polite enough to provide you with the information nor a sample box for you to take apart and play with. In these cases, you have a few options:


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