From the Digital Divide e-list...


From: digitaldivide-bounces@...
[mailto:digitaldivide-bounces@...] On Behalf Of Sascha
Meinrath
Sent: February 11, 2006 8:18 PM
To: digitaldivide@...
Subject: [DDN] Announcing the Second National Summit for Community
Wireless Networks -- March 31-April 2, 2006. St. Charles, MO.

Hi everyone,

Below is the invite to the Second National Summit for Community Wireless
Networks that we're hosting right outside St. Louis March 31-April 2,
2006.  We rely on word-of-mouth to get the word out about this event, so
please forward this out to your friends and relevant e-mail lists.
Links to the Summit website and registration are also below.

Thanks,

--Sascha

*** PLEASE FORWARD *** *** PLEASE FORWARD *** *** PLEASE FORWARD ***
*** PLEASE FORWARD *** *** PLEASE FORWARD *** *** PLEASE FORWARD ***
*** PLEASE FORWARD *** *** PLEASE FORWARD *** *** PLEASE FORWARD ***

The Champaign-Urbana Community Wireless Network (CUWiN), Mid-Rivers
Community Wireless Network, and Free Press invite you to join us for a
Community Wireless Networking Summit, March 31-April 2, 2006 in St.
Charles, MO (right outside St. Louis).  "Imagine & Implement: The 2006
National Summit for Community Wireless Networks" will focus on
grassroots action; impacting national regulations and policies; and
building the coalition of community groups, researchers, policy leaders,
decision-makers, and activists working to create better broadband
services and telecommunications infrastructures.

With Network Neutrality under attack and broadband service continuing to
stagnate, it's time we organized to take the public airwaves back from
corporate interests and put the public interest back in the spotlight.
Community Wireless Networks are often owned by the communities that
deploy them and offer better services for cheaper prices than
traditional ISPs.  Anyone interested in making the "public interest" the
number one priority in broadband service provision should definitely
attend this summit.

Community Wireless developers from across North America will be
demonstrating cutting-edge technologies; researchers and programmers
will discuss recent breakthroughs and developments; and policy-makers
and funders will strategize with participants on the new initiatives
being launched and how we can make an impact in DC.

More summit information is available online at:

www.wirelesssummit.org

Register online at:

www.wirelesssummit.org/register

Have questions or want to present?  Send us an e-mail at:

cu-wireless-summit@...

See you in St. Charles,

_______________________________________________
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Hello all,

Since we realized that some of the discussion here was a bit more
technical in nature and since it's not really necessary for the board
or the students to be inundated with technical details of some
operations, I created another Yahoo!Group called bworks_shop:

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bworks_shop/

If you are interested in following some of the more technical details
of the bworks shop, please feel free to join:

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bworks_shop/join

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

On Feb 10, 2006, at 12:48 PM, Don Head wrote:
> On 2/10/06, Robert Citek <rwcitek@...> wrote:
>>  Sweet!  It compiled.  Here are my notes:
>>
>>     http://www.cwelug.org/cgi-bin/wiki.cgi?Wpc11v4#source
>
> Awesome!

Not only did it compile, the driver loaded and I was able to ping
google.com.  I've updated my notes to include how I loaded the
modules and connected to a WAP:

    http://www.cwelug.org/cgi-bin/wiki.cgi?Wpc11v4#source

So the next step is to figure out how to clean up the process.
Anyone know where the modules should go and how to update the
appropriate /etc files so the modules are loaded/unloaded
automatically whenever a card is inserted/removed?

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

On Feb 10, 2006, at 12:48 PM, Don Head wrote:
> Unfortunately, I was at home when I did it (and I'm at work now), so I
> can't tell you exactly what I put into my Google search bar.  I'll try
> and remember to check it out later today.

That would be great.

> There are very few things I've been unable to locate online via
> Google.. and most of them I later found out didn't exist to begin
> with. =)

Yup.  Learning how to perform on-line searches is becoming just as
much of a necessary skill as using a word processor or spreadsheet
program.  This is definitely something the BWorks' students should
learn how to do.

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

On 2/10/06, Robert Citek <rwcitek@...> wrote:
>
>  On Feb 9, 2006, at 7:06 PM, Don Head wrote:
>  > Even more interesting is a thread on the project's SourceForge page.
>  > Looks like they fixed the problem in CVS.  Might want to try the CVS
>  > repository instead.
>  >
>  > http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?
>  > thread_id=1307265&forum_id=390417
>
>  Sweet!  It compiled.  Here are my notes:
>
>     http://www.cwelug.org/cgi-bin/wiki.cgi?Wpc11v4#source

Awesome!

>  > I'll look harder next time before I send out a response. =)
>
>  Thanks for looking.  BTW, how did you find it?  For example, if you
>  used google, what search terms did you use?

The first one I got from Google.  The second one I got from the
SourceForge forums for the realtek driver project.

Unfortunately, I was at home when I did it (and I'm at work now), so I
can't tell you exactly what I put into my Google search bar.  I'll try
and remember to check it out later today.

There are very few things I've been unable to locate online via
Google.. and most of them I later found out didn't exist to begin
with. =)

--
Don Head
donwhead@...

On Feb 9, 2006, at 7:06 PM, Don Head wrote:
> Even more interesting is a thread on the project's SourceForge page.
> Looks like they fixed the problem in CVS.  Might want to try the CVS
> repository instead.
>
> http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?
> thread_id=1307265&forum_id=390417

Sweet!  It compiled.  Here are my notes:

    http://www.cwelug.org/cgi-bin/wiki.cgi?Wpc11v4#source

> I'll look harder next time before I send out a response. =)

Thanks for looking.  BTW, how did you find it?  For example, if you
used google, what search terms did you use?

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

On 2/9/06, Don Head <donwhead@...> wrote:
> On 2/9/06, Robert Citek <rwcitek@...> wrote:
> >
> >  I've updated my notes and have included the error messages when
> >  building the driver from source:
> >
> >     http://www.cwelug.org/cgi-bin/wiki.cgi?Wpc11v4#source
> >
> >  Anyone have any idea on what the error means and how to fix it?
>
> Might check out this thread:
>
> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14847794
>
> Looks like they removed the "slot_scan" lines from the source, and
> that somewhat fixed that particular problem.

Even more interesting is a thread on the project's SourceForge page.
Looks like they fixed the problem in CVS.  Might want to try the CVS
repository instead.

http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?thread_id=1307265&forum_id=390417

I'll look harder next time before I send out a response. =)

--
Don Head
donwhead@...

On 2/9/06, Robert Citek <rwcitek@...> wrote:
>
>  I've updated my notes and have included the error messages when
>  building the driver from source:
>
>     http://www.cwelug.org/cgi-bin/wiki.cgi?Wpc11v4#source
>
>  Anyone have any idea on what the error means and how to fix it?

Might check out this thread:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14847794

Looks like they removed the "slot_scan" lines from the source, and
that somewhat fixed that particular problem.


--
Don Head
donwhead@...

On 2/9/06, Karl Grable <elrak1@...> wrote:
>     Don,
>
>  If you have the time to make it by on a Saturday you will get a chance
>  to meet many of the volunteers and witness one of our kids' classes in
>  session. On Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-10:00pm the volunteers work
>  on various technical projects and shop organization. If you have any
>  questions concerning Bworks please feel free to drop by anytime we
>  have a scheduled event (you may want to check the calendar first) or
>  give me a call.

I won't be able to make it this evening (this time, short notice being
the only real problem), but I'm going to do my best to make it on
Saturday.  Hope to see you all there!

Regards,

--
Don Head
donwhead@...

On Feb 6, 2006, at 4:56 PM, Robert Citek wrote:
> On Feb 6, 2006, at 3:19 AM, tms wrote:
>> Also, did you have any notes detailing the issues with attempting
>> to get the binary drivers loaded or the source to recompile?  I
>> checked your
>> wikilink (oooh, is that a word?) but didn't see anything like that.
>
> Yes, I need to put that up there.  I'll try to do that tonight.  BTW,
> feel free to pass my notes on to Conrad if you think this might
> interest him and he could help.  He seems like a great resource.

I've updated my notes and have included the error messages when
building the driver from source:

    http://www.cwelug.org/cgi-bin/wiki.cgi?Wpc11v4#source

Anyone have any idea on what the error means and how to fix it?

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

Don,

If you have the time to make it by on a Saturday you will get a chance
to meet many of the volunteers and witness one of our kids' classes in
session. On Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-10:00pm the volunteers work
on various technical projects and shop organization. If you have any
questions concerning Bworks please feel free to drop by anytime we
have a scheduled event (you may want to check the calendar first) or
give me a call.

Thanks,

Karl Grable
314-378-6173
elrak1@...

--- In bworks@yahoogroups.com, Don Head <donwhead@...> wrote:
>
> Hello!
>
> My name is Don, and I just signed on after learning about this
> project.  I've reviewed all of the information I can find (the mailing
> list, the website), and I'm very excited to see this project.  A few
> years ago, some former co-workers got me involved in a Church not too
> far from there, where they were teaching kids computer skills.  I
> helped donate about 15 Pentium computers, installed Linux, and got
> them running.  Unfortunately, many of the volunteers parted ways
> (along with my contacts there), and I'm not sure what ever became of
> it.  Since then, I've been hoping that something else would come
> along, and it looks like it's been here the whole time!
>
> I have a few friends on the St. Louis UNIX Users Group (which is where
> I heard about this), and have been using Linux now for over 10 years.
>
> I've actually got a few Pentium and Pentium 2 computers (in various
> states of repair) along with a whole box of old parts that I'd be
> willing to part with, mainly because I don't have the room to do
> anything with them here (and my wife is tired of seeing them).  I'd
> also love to help volunteer my time to help with computer setup and/or
> repair.  I don't have a huge amount of free time, but a few hours now
> and again is doable.
>
> I also work for a fairly large technology company here in St. Louis,
> and would be willing to talk to them about equipment donations (I'm
> sure we've always got something to get rid of).
>
> In order to get started, is there someone in particular I should talk
> to, or a specific time I should show up somewhere?
>
> I look forward to helping out as best I can!
>
> Regards,
>
> --
> Don Head
> donwhead@...
>

On Feb 9, 2006, at 11:49 AM, Gavin Perry wrote:

> Please update ASAP:
>
> http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6036771.html?tag=nl.e589
> *Computer code that could be used in cyberattacks on Firefox users has
> been released, increasing the urgency for people to upgrade to the
> latest version of the Web browser.

One of the new features in FireFox 1.5 is the ability to
automatically check for updates:

    Preferences > Advanced > Update

Check all three boxes (Firefox, extensions, and search).  I also
check "Ask me what I want to do", that way I have some control of the
process.  A quick browse through my Update History shows that my
Firefox was updated on February 2nd, exactly a week ago.

To get Firefox:

    http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

Runs on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X.

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

Please update ASAP:

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6036771.html?tag=nl.e589
*Computer code that could be used in cyberattacks on Firefox users has
been released, increasing the urgency for people to upgrade to the
latest version of the Web browser.


*Gavin

Hello Don,

On Feb 8, 2006, at 9:25 AM, Don Head wrote:
> My name is Don, and I just signed on after learning about this
> project.  I've reviewed all of the information I can find (the mailing
> list, the website), and I'm very excited to see this project.

Welcome aboard.

> In order to get started, is there someone in particular I should talk
> to, or a specific time I should show up somewhere?

The person you probably want to talk to is Karl.   As for data/time/
location, from the Yahoo!Calendar there seems to be something
happening tomorrow night, but I don't know how definite that is.  For
sure there is stuff happening this Saturday from 10am to 1pm at the
BWorks HQ:

    http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4100+Shenandoah+63110

Of course something can be happening on-line at any time.  BTW,
here's a collection of related BWorks links:

    http://del.icio.us/rwcitek/bworks

> I look forward to helping out as best I can!

Wonderful.  Here's my assessments based on conversations I've had
with Karl, Keith, Theresa, and others.  Currently, BWorks is in the
"get everyone on the same page" stage with Linux.  There is a wide
rang of abilities, from the absolute linux novice to the well-
seasoned, with a heavy leaning towards the novice.  So, the first
task is getting everyone at least comfortable with the very basics of
linux, in particular, the desktop (KDE), adding/configuring hardware
(especially modems), and installation.  At least I think that's it.
If I'm off, someone please correct me.

In any case, if you come by on Saturday, I'm sure someone more
knowledgeable than myself will fill you in.

Again, welcome aboard and thanks.

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

Hello!

My name is Don, and I just signed on after learning about this
project.  I've reviewed all of the information I can find (the mailing
list, the website), and I'm very excited to see this project.  A few
years ago, some former co-workers got me involved in a Church not too
far from there, where they were teaching kids computer skills.  I
helped donate about 15 Pentium computers, installed Linux, and got
them running.  Unfortunately, many of the volunteers parted ways
(along with my contacts there), and I'm not sure what ever became of
it.  Since then, I've been hoping that something else would come
along, and it looks like it's been here the whole time!

I have a few friends on the St. Louis UNIX Users Group (which is where
I heard about this), and have been using Linux now for over 10 years.

I've actually got a few Pentium and Pentium 2 computers (in various
states of repair) along with a whole box of old parts that I'd be
willing to part with, mainly because I don't have the room to do
anything with them here (and my wife is tired of seeing them).  I'd
also love to help volunteer my time to help with computer setup and/or
repair.  I don't have a huge amount of free time, but a few hours now
and again is doable.

I also work for a fairly large technology company here in St. Louis,
and would be willing to talk to them about equipment donations (I'm
sure we've always got something to get rid of).

In order to get started, is there someone in particular I should talk
to, or a specific time I should show up somewhere?

I look forward to helping out as best I can!

Regards,

--
Don Head
donwhead@...

(cc'd the list.)

Hello Theresa,

On Feb 6, 2006, at 3:19 AM, tms wrote:
> Later (meaning, after BWorks machines are set up) I'd like to take a
> shot at getting it running under Debian.

Me, too.  In a way it is running under Debian, since Knoppix is a
Debian derivative.  But I know what you mean.

> Also, did you have any notes detailing the issues with attempting
> to get
> the binary drivers loaded or the source to recompile?  I checked your
> wikilink (oooh, is that a word?) but didn't see anything like that.

Yes, I need to put that up there.  I'll try to do that tonight.  BTW,
feel free to pass my notes on to Conrad if you think this might
interest him and he could help.  He seems like a great resource.

> How well is ndiswrapper working, btw?

Works fine so far.  The notes on the wiki page were made from the
machine that had the LinkSys card in it.  Do you have any specific
tests you would like me to perform?

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

On Jan 28, 2006, at 6:06 PM, Robert Citek wrote:
> Looks like one might need to use ndiswrapper, something I've never
> tried before.  I'll give it a whirl and see if I can make any
> progress.

At the CWELUG meeting this past Saturday we tried a few different
things and eventually were able to get the
WPC11v4 card to work under Knoppix using the ndiswrapper.  For my
initial notes, see:

     http://www.cwelug.org/cgi-bin/wiki.cgi?Wpc11v4

Although I'd prefer to use the Open Source driver that's available
from SourceForge, we could not get the binary drivers to load
properly nor could we get the source code to compile.

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

Not about Ubuntu per se but gets down to some nice background, and it's funny.

   http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/31/google_goes_desktop_linux/

Rick

Apparently Ubuntu can interpret kickstart files.  So I put one
together and did a full and minimal install of Ubuntu 5.10 using the
CD-ROM and a web accessible kickstart file.  For notes:

    http://www.cwelug.org/cgi-bin/wiki.cgi?Ubuntu_5.10

Substitute "linux" for "server" at the boot prompt to do a full install.

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

As I understand it, we need 10 linux machines on February 18th, when
the new session starts up.  Question for Teachers group - do you need
access to an open source machine to prepare new materials?  Questions
for Windows Network Support group: is the classroom going to be
physically ready to accommodate 10 open source desktop machines by Feb
18th?  When do all the machines have to be ready?  Do they need sound
and modem immediately, or if not, then by when?  And finally, a
question for everyone in the Linux group, will you send me an email
with a note about how you'd like to help and how much time you have?

Here is a (VERY) preliminary timeline:

Alpha - Feb 18
	 - 10 machines ready for classes
	 - 10 more machines ready every new session until Beta

Beta - undetermined (optimistically mid-May, or two sessions of
classes)
	 - clearly defined package list
	 - tested method of consistent installation/configuration (FAI)
	 - volunteers learning how to support open source machines

1.0  live - undetermined
	 - consistent rollout of open source machines
	 - support available at ByteWORKS
	 - volunteers learning how to configure add-ons, peripheral
devices

1.1 upgrade - undetermined
	 - improvements and refinements to configuration
	 - possible migration completely away from Microsoft machines
	 - possible begin classes or support for add-ons, peripheral
devices:
		 - printers
		 - scanners
		 - CD burners
		 - digital cameras
		 - PDAs

Feedback is much appreciated!!

Thanks,

Theresa

Thanks Rick....
Wired did an article about this a few years ago. For those not
visiting the shop today:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/ppt2.html

--- In bworks@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Allard" <and.noah.she@g...> wrote:
>
> I've left a copy of this essay about PowerPoint at the shop.
>
>   http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/books_pp
>
> If you're interested, read the whole thing. If you have any contact
(author or you get
> subjected to it now and then) with PowerPoint but are short on time,
read the very last
> section - about a page in all.
>
> Then you'll see why the New York Times and others picked up on this
as it pointed to
> Microsoft's product and its misuse as a factor in the Columbia accident.
>
> Rick
>

Hi all, I just had a Wiley E Coyote, Super Genius moment ... I took
some sound cards home so I could do some more experimenting.  There
was just one wee small detail I was forgetting -- after you plug in
the sound card, when you reboot, you might want to check the BIOS
settings, and disable onboard sound if that's what was previously in
use.  Yeah, big DOH!!  As soon as I did that, the new sound card was
automatically detected, correct driver loaded, and sound working upon
startup.  So, I did *not* have to manually load drivers (or figure out
which drivers were needed, which can also be tricky).

Wiley E Coyote, Super Genius, indeed!!

Hopefully this will make getting sound configured for the new linux
machines easier.

Theresa

At BWorks today we tried to get a Linksys wireless card working
(WPC11 ver4), but were unsuccessful.  After a bit of googling I found
this link:

     http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/showthread.php?t=284525

Looks like one might need to use ndiswrapper, something I've never
tried before.  I'll give it a whirl and see if I can make any progress.

BTW, my SMC 802.11b card works just fine using Knoppix 4.0.2.  It
uses the orinico drivers.

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

Hello Theresa,

At BWorks today you showed me two things which I wanted to jot down
but didn't get a chance.  One was a website that you had found that
dealt with modems under Linux.  Do you have a link for that site?
I'd like to explore it some more.

Also, you were showing me a program that automatically configures
modules for devices under Debian.  I googled for "module config" and
some variants but couldn't find anything that matched what you showed
me.  Do you have the name or a link to that program, too?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

Thanks Rick....
Wired did an article about this a few years ago. For those not
visiting the shop today:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/ppt2.html

--- In bworks@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Allard" <and.noah.she@g...> wrote:
>
> I've left a copy of this essay about PowerPoint at the shop.
>
>   http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/books_pp
>
> If you're interested, read the whole thing. If you have any contact
(author or you get
> subjected to it now and then) with PowerPoint but are short on time,
read the very last
> section - about a page in all.
>
> Then you'll see why the New York Times and others picked up on this
as it pointed to
> Microsoft's product and its misuse as a factor in the Columbia accident.
>
> Rick
>

I've left a copy of this essay about PowerPoint at the shop.

   http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/books_pp

If you're interested, read the whole thing. If you have any contact (author or
you get
subjected to it now and then) with PowerPoint but are short on time, read the
very last
section - about a page in all.

Then you'll see why the New York Times and others picked up on this as it
pointed to
Microsoft's product and its misuse as a factor in the Columbia accident.

Rick

On Jan 26, 2006, at 11:01 AM, Gavin Perry wrote:
> tmk_for_byteworks wrote:
>> =====
>> Hardware Update 2: Modem
>>
>> I added a new piece of hardware, a Conexant HSFi 56K softmodem
>> (winmodem).  (note: I chose this because I understand that winmodems
>> are pretty much what we've got to work with, is that correct?)
>
> Yep, that's what's easy to get, doesn't HAVE to be Conexant, but they
> are common.

Would it be possible for me to pick up an assortment of modems to try
out?

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

On Jan 25, 2006, at 10:54 AM, Robert Citek wrote:
> The last time I was at ByteWorks I asked about disk wiping software.
> As it turns out Knoppix[1] has a program called wipe.

In addition one can also use 'shred', another program found on the
Knoppix CD.  The syntax is similar to wipe:

sudo shred -v -n 4 /dev/hda

The -v option is for verbose output.  The -n option tells shred the
number of passes, in this case 4, to perform in writing to the drive,
in this case /dev/hda, which is the master drive on the primary IDE
bus.  sudo allows a normal user access to the device.

A speed test showed that it was comparable to wipe.

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org/downloads
Help others get OpenSource software.  Distribute FLOSS
for Windows, Linux, *BSD, and MacOS X with BitTorrent

tmk_for_byteworks wrote:

> Hardware Update 1: Sound and CDs
>
> The machine is missing the cable that feed sound from the CD-ROM to
> the sound card.  Thus, you can play music CDs, but the sound is output
> to the headphone jack on the CD-ROM player.  Seems a problem with the
> old machine, not with sound or CD-ROM, but no way to test for sure
> without replacing some components.
>
There is a box of CDROM to sound card cables lying around the shop
somewhere. I've got a few at home if you can't find the right one.

> =====
> Hardware Update 2: Modem
>
> I added a new piece of hardware, a Conexant HSFi 56K softmodem
> (winmodem).  (note: I chose this because I understand that winmodems
> are pretty much what we've got to work with, is that correct?)

Yep, that's what's easy to get, doesn't HAVE to be Conexant, but they
are common.

> Reboot, lspci recognizes the device.  Did some digging, and there are
> linux drivers available at:
> <http://www.linuxant.com/drivers/hsf/full/downloads.php>
>
> Used Kpackage to install the deb file.  Error, had to apt-get install
> kernel-headers-2.4.27-2-386 (there is no precompiled Conexant drivers
> package available for debian).  Now installation worked; it recognizes
> the modem, identifies it, as follows:
>
> Configuration for modem unit 0: /dev/ttySHSF0
>       Device Instance: 0-PCI-14f1:2f00-14f1:2003
>       HW Revision: Basic 2 2.18 Standard DAA 3VoltsIA
>       HW profile name: hsfpcibasic2hsfi
>       Registration ID: C642-418D-97BE
>       Registered email: reallywannaknow@...
>       License Key: FREE
> The /dev/modem alias (symlink) points to /dev/ttySHSF0
> To enable the full modem drivers, run hsfconfig --license
> Note: region=0 (USA) -- to change it, use hsfconfig --region, or
> AT+GCI=<T35code> .. to view current region: ATI9 in a terminal.
>
> And here is the bad news about Conexant modems.  The free driver
> limits the user to 14.4, and no fax.  To get 56K and fax, you have to
> purchase the "full" driver for $19.99 ... per device.

keep looking, 14.4 is goofy on a 56k modem

>
> Anyway, used kppp (note: pppconfig would be *much* better) and the
> number 555-1212, told it to dial up, and it promptly did so (of
> course, since I have no phone line plugged into the modem RJ-11 jack,
> we didn't get very far).  That's as far as I can go without a valid
> ISP dialup number, username and password.  But we can go for that this
> weekend.
>
> So, we can get modems to work ... but there are limitations.  The
> questions this raises are:
>
> 1. Is 14.4 dialup acceptable?

No, too slow. 33.6 is the minimum,  (well maybe 28.8 in a pinch)

> 2. If not, what other kinds of modems do we have?

We mostly get 56k for about $3.00 each

>
> Any and all input is appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

>
> Theresa
>
--

Gavin Perry, PhD    Research Engineer
Washington Univ. Medical School
Electronics Shop
Campus Box 8006
4566 Scott Ave.
St. Louis MO 63110-1031
e-mail: gavin@...
  voice: 314 362-2595
http://eshop.wustl.edu