[ILUG] real modems -v- linmodems -v- winmodems.

[Rick Moen]

Quoting Lisa Muir (34.24.34 at gmail.com):

> I'm looking for a linux compatible "real modem" for the PCI bus.
> 
> Is there any way to determine from a modems description if it is in
> fact a real modem, eg, HSF etc would immediately spell "winmodem" to
> me, but does V.92 mean real modem? or can a winmodem be V.92 also?
> 
> I've found a local supplier who can provide this modem, but with no
> guarantees on it being a real / soft modem:
> http://www.usr-emea.com/support/s-prod-template.asp?loc=unkg&prod=5671

Well, if MS-Windows is a specified minimum system requirement, and if
nobody talks about the unit anywhere in conjunction with any other
operating system, and if the spec sheet makes no mention whatsoever of
specific component parts on the card, then it is almost certainly a
winmodem.

In the particular case you cite, all of the above is true, _plus_ the
Quick Installation guide specifically says it uses U.S. Robotics's HSF
chipset, the latter fact making it _definitively a winmodem_.

I have some information on the subject here, albeit not updated in quite
a few years:  http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/#winmodem  It includes
hyperlinks to pages that catalogue known chipsets and whether they're
winmodems or not.

> Or does anybody know of a model number of an Intel based modem which
> is a "real" modem which I can search for with vendors??

Please note that Intel _does_ manufacture winmodems, too, using the HaM
chipset.