Linux uses a device file to communicate with a modem. Device files are located in /dev directory. A modem must use one of serial ports (/dev tyS0 - /dev tyS3). First determine which serial port to use for modem. You should use ttyS1 because ttyS0 is usually assigned to a back panel connector.

To configure serial port, use setserial command with information that you recorded above. Using example values above, you would type following into terminal window:

setserial /dev tyS1 uart 16550A port 0xdc00 irq 11

You can verify that modem is working by sending it command to dial. For example type following into terminal window:

echo "atdt5555555" > /dev tyS1

If you hear modem dial, close connection by typing:

echo "atz" > /dev tyS1

If you didn't hear modem dial, make sure you have modem speaker turned on by typing:

echo "atv" > /dev tyS1

Then try dialing again.

To have Linux automatically configure your modem at boot time, add setserial line that you used above to file /etc/rc.d/rc.local

Assuming that you are using GNOME window manager, click on "foot" icon on taskbar to open menu. Select "Programs" and open "File Manager". In File Manager, navigate to directory /etc/rc.d and right-click on file rc.local. Select "Open with..." in popup menu. In "gmc" dialog box, select "gnotepad+" and click on "OK" button. At bottom of file, type setserial command line and then save file.

For complete information about modems related to Linux, visit "Winmodems are not Modems" at:

http://www.idir.net/~gromitkc/winmodem.html

Sometimes configuring a modem is not as easy in Linux as it is in Windows, but alternative is to continue to use Windows and beg for Bill Gates permission to upgrade your hardware (XP product activation). ---------------------------------------------------------- Resource Box: Copyright(C)2002 Bucaro TecHelp. To learn how to maintain your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web site and make money on Web visit http://bucarotechelp.com To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter Send a blank email to bucarotechelp-subscribe@topica.com ----------------------------------------------------------

To open Xconfigurator, log in as root and click on "Terminal emulation program" button on task bar. In terminal window that appears, type Xconfigurator. Xconfigurator will probe for your video card. If that fails, you will be presented with a list of monitors. If you can't find your monitor in list, select one of "Generic" options.

You will then have to select a "color depth" and "video mode". After making required selections, Xconfigurator will display message "Can you see this message?" If you do not click on "Yes" button within ten seconds, you will be sent back to Xconfigurator's starting screen. Then you can select different settings and try again.

If none of Generic options work, select "Custom" and enter some horizontal sync and vertical sync numbers. Ultimately you should find a setting that works. You may have to make some adjustments to your monitor to resize, reposition, or remove pin cushion.

Sometimes changing your display setting is not as easy in Linux as it is in Windows, but alternative is to continue to use Windows and beg for Bill Gates' permission to upgrade your hardware (XP product activation). ---------------------------------------------------------- Resource Box: Copyright(C)2002 Bucaro TecHelp. To learn how to maintain your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web site and make money on Web visit http://bucarotechelp.com To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter Send a blank email to bucarotechelp-subscribe@topica.com ----------------------------------------------------------