At 2001-08-09T03:29:47Z, David Witbrodt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > Thanks for the response!
No problem! We were all "newbies" at one time. :) > That helps. I will probably be installing the testing version, then. If you haven't started the install yet, then you may wish to listen to some counter-opinions on this list who have valid points. Aside from the relative stability of the software in the stable distribution, the packaging system itself is rock solid and unlikely to give you the sorts of errors that can drive new Debian users insane. You probably wouldn't have trouble with testing, either, but it *is* a valid concern, especially depending on your level of comfort with fixing system configuration files with a text editor. > By "every OS," I wonder if you know whether DOS and OS/2 in particular are > supported? http://www.soundblaster.com/ seems to have downloadable drivers for DOS, OS/2, and much of the Windows line. > Thanks. This has been a tough research project for me. I had hoped that > an external USB modem would be an option, but apparently it isn't (at this > time). Some documentation at http://www.linux-usb.org/USB-guide/x332.html suggests that you can install a USB modem fairly easily. I haven't done so, however, so I can't really give you a personal recommendation. > I've noticed that the "real" modems (as opposed to "Winmodems") cost > significantly more. Hopefully the one I get will last for a while! I worked tech support for a local ISP for a while. All I can say is that you get what you pay for. The externals are more expensive, but tend to offer *much* better connections. As a bonus, I've never heard of a lightning strike causing an external modem to roast a motherboard, but several cases of an internal modem taking out an entire system. This may not be a problem where you live, but I'm precariously close to "Tornado Alley" in the USA Midwest region, so such things have to be taken into consideration. :) -- Kirk Strauser
