Would like to connect to the internet

[Sid Alam]

I have linux (mandrake flavor) on my computer.

I would like to install to the internet, but don't know how to.
I am not linux/unix savvy.

The modem works under MS windows but I can't make it work under linux.

I have an icon on my desk top called internet.
I have set it up but I have a feeling it was not configured properly.

When I click on the icon

A KPP dialog box opens
It has information like connect to...
login id and password.

When I click okay button, it says "connecting to ..."
Then gives me message "Sorry, the modem doesn't respond"

Please help

[John0904]

Heard that Winmodems won't work with Linux at all.
If your modem is internal, most likely it is a Winmodem.

Here is a list of known modems that work with Linux.
http://lhd.zdnet.com/db/searchproduct.cgi?_catid=11

This advice should be taken with a grain of salt since I know nothing about Linux.

Hopefully you will get other suggestions from more qualified Linux users. :)

[Sid Alam]

No has responded.

My modem is a Rockwell international HCF 56k PCI Connexant modem.
This should suggest it is not the winmodem mentioned???


Can any body help?

[John0904]

Did some searching and found:
http://www.conexant.com/customer/md_driverassistance.html

Read the Disclaimer and click Agree.
Proceed to the bottom on the page and you will find HSF Generic Modem Drivers including Linux drivers.
*** Use at your own risk ***

I am not longer able to help in this matter. Anything more will be fruitless as I have no knowledge with Linux.

One...All I know is that Winmodems will not work with Linux.
And two...if you feel that your modem will work with Linux, do a Google search for the drivers.

Good luck.

Edit: Just realized that the HCF Generic Modem Drivers for Linux on that web page are due this summer.

[Sid Alam]

>Edit: Just realized that the HCF Generic Modem Drivers for Linux on that web page are due this summer.

Mine is HCF what shall I do, I don't want to wait.
I have a cd-rom for drivers that worked under windows.

[john5211]

Hi Sid,

Here (http://www.linux.org/docs/ldp/howto/Conexant+Rockwell-modem-HOWTO/index.html) is a HOWTO that describes options for Rockwell modems.

Good Luck,

John

[Sid Alam]

Thanx john5211 for the link,

I have downloaded the HCF file and entered the command.

[sid@localhost modem-files]$ rpm -i hcfpcimodem-0.97mbsibeta02070500k2.4.8_26mdk-1mdk.i586.rpm

I get an error message:

error: cannot open Package index using db3 - Operation not permitted (1)
error: cannot open Package database in /var/lib/rpm

please help

[john5211]

You need superuser privilages to install software. Use the su command to switch to root and then install the software.

On a side note, instead of 'rpm -i [package]' you might want to try 'urpmi [package]'. It is a utility that will automatically look for and install packages to resolve any dependancies (of course, it might not be installed on your distro, in which case you will just get a <i>command not found</i> error).

John

[Sid Alam]

I followed the commands as suggested at the website:
http://www.linux.org/docs/ldp/howto/Conexant+Rockwell-modem-HOWTO/quick-start.html

A program got started ... informing me what was happening ... finally it gave me message that my modem was installed on /dev/ttySHCFO.

Next I need to set up internet connection so thus:

On my desktop clicked on icon "Internet"
Internet/run as root - entered root password/selected "use autodetection"/...

Then it gives me set of serial ports that the modem is connected to:
ttyS0/COM1
ttyS1/COM2
ttyS2/COM3
ttyS3/COM4
ttyS4/COM5
ttyS5/COM6
ttyS6/COM7
ttyS7/COM8
/dev/modem

I don't know which one I should choose??

[Sid Alam]

>Then it gives me set of serial ports that the modem is connected to:
>ttyS0/COM1
>...
>ttyS6/COM7
>ttyS7/COM8
>/dev/modem

>I don't know which one I should choose??

I have tried most combination.
Currently have it with the last port. i.e /dev/modem
gives me message:

The modem is busy ...
The system does not seem to be connected to the internet.
Try to reconfigure your modem.

What can I do?
Am I doing the configuration correctly?

[john5211]

I'm not really sure about what the packages that you downloaded did to the system, but if it was not possible to use /dev/ttySCHFO as the port, then I would create a symbolic link from /dev/modem or /dev/ttyS#/COM(#+1) to /dev/ttySCHFO.

To do this, rename /dev/ttyS7/COM8 and then use 'ln -s /dev/ttySCHFO /dev/ttyS7/COM8'; MAKE SURE YOU KEEP A RECORD OF WHAT YOU DO SO THAT YOU CAN GO BACK IF IT DOESN'T WORK. Then go back and try to install to /dev/ttyS7/COM8.

Again, I have no idea if this will work, I'm just guessing at what I would try.

John

[mjc]

First, Sid what version of Mandrake?

Second did you try looking for the package through mandrake?

Also, unless the version you are loading already has support for your winmodem, it is generally easier for grab a hardware modem than try to find and install the proper packege for the winmodem.

[john5211]

Hi Sid:

From the HOWTO on installing Rockwell/Conextant:

You will now be able to setup your internet connection software, you may need to tell it that your modem can be found at /dev/modem. If your internet connection software can't access it you may need to change the permissions on it.

and...

Technical note: If you have an older modem, i.e one with the Rockwell brand name rather then Conexant then you will not be able to use this driver at present.

It seems as though the first quote applies to your situation, and that the second also might.

MJC: I think the HOWTO's at Linux.org as well as the ones sponsored by the LDP are excellent sources of information that are every bit as legitimate as going through one of the Distributors. I don't mean to start an argument, but if someone was having trouble getting their soundcard drivers to work with some variety of Windows, would you suggest that they just buy a better soundcard?

John

[Sid Alam]

john5211:

> To do this, rename /dev/ttyS7/COM8 ....

Thanx I shall try this.

However If I am unsuccessful I thought I might consider alternatives.
I have an "SupraExpress 56i Pro modem" is this a winmodem? this would mean swapping modems between computer though (don't really want to do this).

I have an old US Robotics modem but I never got the drivers to work under Windows, is this a winmodem?

The linux installation is on a spare computer. There is no great need to have a modem. But if I was to purchase one, what brand should I purchase to ensure it is not a winmodem?
How much should I pay?
From what I have read, even usb modems can be winmodems????


MJC:

> First, Sid what version of Mandrake?

Linux (Mandrake 8.1)

>Second did you try looking for the package through mandrake?

I am not Linux/unix savvy I just followed written instruction on its "HELP FILE" to setup an internet connection. This was basically to use an icon that would detect and thus setup my modem.


>second quote:
------------------------------------------------------------------------Technical note: If you have an older modem, i.e one with the Rockwell brand name rather then Conexant then you will not be able to use this driver at present.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

john5211:
I have read this in the HowTo.
From what I have read some people have been successful in making the older Rockwell brand to work, but this was with older version of Mandrake so thus also different "kernel". I thought I would try to attempt it???

[Sid Alam]

>To do this, rename /dev/ttyS7/COM8


I have done a search for this to rename it, but can't find it.
Do I have to do this on the console, if not how?

>and then use 'ln -s /dev/ttySCHFO /dev/ttyS7/COM8';

I guess this is a comand on the console?

[john5211]

Hi Sid,

Never mind what I said about symbolic links. If playing around with the permissions for /dev/modem as suggested in the HOWTO doesn't fix it, then the binary (the RPM file) won't work.

By the way, to find out if your other modems should work with linux, and maybe instructions on how to install them, you might want to look at this site (http://www.idir.net/~gromitkc/winmodem.html) about winmodems.

John

[Sid Alam]

> playing around with the permissions for /dev/modem as suggested in the HOWTO doesn't fix it, then the binary (the RPM file) won't work.

The HowTo doesn't actually tell you how to change the permissions.
Here is what it says:

"You will now be able to setup your internet connection software, you may need to tell it that your modem can be found at /dev/modem. If your internet connection software can't access it you may need to change the permissions on it."


Any idea on how to change the permission.
I have browsed to the folder /dev/modem from ROOT but unfortunately not able to change any thing. There are selection boxes with "X" e.g went right click modem properties/permisssion. Here is the information:

CLASS READ WRITE EXEC SPECIAL
USER X X SET UID
GROUP X X SET GID
OTHERS STICKY

User: Sid
Group: tty <is selected>

Note group is an combobox with cdrom, usb, cdwriter, audio, xgrp, sid, tty parameters.

How can I change the parameters?


I have also been to the folder /dev/ttySHCFO
note here I can change the permissions that is put X's etc in the selection boxes.

I am on the assumption I should perhaps follow john5211 first suggestion?

That is create symbolic links since the program I downloaded and ran informed me that the modules will be found at "/dev/ttySHCF0" ?

Perhaps after I have changed the permissions? But How?

[john5211]

Hi Sid,

Assuming that you have not renamed anything or inserted any symbolic links:

1) Read up about Unix/Linix file permissions and how to change them. You can start here (http://www.linuxfocus.org/English/January1999/article77.html) and maybe do a google search for 'linux file permissions suid' to find other articles.

2) Note that (in my opinion) it is much easier to change permissions from a console window than through file managers.

3) Change the permissions on /dev/modem, try setting it as suid (with root ownership), or if that fails then try setting the permissions to 777. If that doesn't work, you might want to try playing around with the permissions on /dev/ttySHCFO in the same manner.

4) If (3) fails then I think you have 2 options. First, you can download and try to install the source from the HOWTO (the tar.gz file for the 2.4 kernel); this will probably need substantially more tuning/prep then the binary. Second, you could figure out if either of your other modems are likely to work, and install one of them.

Good Luck,

John

[Sid Alam]

For authentication in the setup, what should I choose?
Currently have it as "Script-based"
other options are:
-PAP
-Terminal-based
-CHAP
-PAP/CHAP

Under Windows I used POP3 protocol?

[Sid Alam]

I have noticed that when I type:

[sid@localhost dev]ls -la modem
lr-xr-xr-x 1 root root 5 Aug 12 11:41 modem -> ttyS3

I have played with these commands but doesn't effect permissions

[sid@localhost dev]chmod 777 modem
lr-xr-xr-x 1 root root 5 Aug 12 11:41 modem -> ttyS3

[sid@localhost dev]chmod 2775 modem
lr-xr-xr-x 1 root root 5 Aug 12 11:41 modem -> ttyS3

No changes for both commands???

I have played with permissions with ttySHCF0
[sid@localhost dev]ls -la ttySHCF0
crw-rw---- 1 sid tty 5 Aug 12 11:41 ttySHCF0


[sid@localhost dev]chmod 777 ttySHCF0
crwxrwxrwx 1 sid tty 5 240, 64 Aug 9 12:09 ttySHCF0

[sid@localhost dev]chmod 2775 ttySHCF0
crwxrwSr-x 1 sid tty 5 240, 64 Aug 9 12:09 ttySHCF0

[Sid Alam]

I have run a program on the modem and it says that:

Prebuilt HCF modules that seem compatible with my system were found under /usr/lib/hcfpci/modules/binaries/i686/mandrake/linux-2.4.8-26mdk

Does this have any significance?

[john5211]

Hi Sid,

1) POP3 is a mail protocol. Authentication describes how you log on to your ISP. Which system you use depends on your ISP, but the modem needs to work before you worry about logging on to your ISP.

2) You have to be root to change the permission on things that belong to root (by the way, notice that /dev/modem is actually a symbolic link to ttyS3).

3) You might try (as root) 'modprobe /usr/lib/hcfpci/modules/binaries/i686/mandrake/linux-2.4.8-26mdk', but be aware that they might interfere with what you have already installed. If you decide to try them out, it may be easier to unistall the package that you previously installed.

John

[Sid Alam]

I have tried to load the moduels:

[root@localhost /]# modprobe /usr/lib/hcfpci/modules/binaries/i686/Mandrake/linux-2.4.6-26mdk
modprobe: Can't locate modules /usr/lib/hcfpci/modules/binaries/i686/Mandrake/linux-2.4.6-26mdk

I have navigated to the linux-2.4.6-26mdk folder there are three files:
hcfpciengine.o hcfpciosspec.o hcfpciserial.o

I have tried to load these classes individually and as a whole none works:

[root@localhost linux-2.4.8-26mdk]#modprobe hcfpciengine.o
modprobe: Can't locate module hcfpciengine.o

[root@localhost linux-2.4.8-26mdk]#modprobe hcfpciosspec.o
modprobe: Can't locate module hcfpciosspec.o

[root@localhost linux-2.4.8-26mdk]#modprobe hcfpciserial.o
modprobe: Can't locate module hcfpciserial.o

[root@localhost linux-2.4.8-26mdk]#modprobe \*
modprobe: Can't locate module hcfpciengine.o which is needed for *

[root@localhost linux-2.4.8-26mdk]#modprobe *
modprobe: Can't locate module hcfpciserial.o

[john5211]

Hi Sid,

Opps, my mistake. You need to use insmod if the modules have not been installed yet. So try 'insmod [filename]' instead. If they actually work then we can install them in a more convienent place where you can load them automaically at startup.

John

[Sid Alam]

I don't think this module got installed, it gave me just over 30 messages all pretty much the same:
[root@localhost linux-2.4.8-26mdk]# insmod hcfpciengine.0
hcfpciengine.0: unresolved symbol cnxthcf_OsSleep
hcfpciengine.0: unresolved symbol cnxthcf_OslsDigit
...
hcfpciengine.0: unresolved symbol cnxthcf_OsAllocate

the next one I think must have been installed since it gave me no messages:
[root@localhost linux-2.4.8-26mdk]# insmod hcfpciosspec.0

The last module gave just one message:
[root@localhost linux-2.4.8-26mdk]# insmod hcfpciserial.0
hcfpciserial.0: unresolved symbol cnxthcf_ComCtrlGetInterface


---------------
On a seperate topic, what is the best way to use files between Linux and windows. I think ".txt" is readable on both platform but what editor should I use for Linux?

[john5211]

OK, when you get unresolved symbol messages it generally means that you need to install another module before you install the one in quesion. In this case, because all of the messages share 'cnxthcf', it's a pretty good bet that a module with that name needs to be loaded.

Try searching your system for a .o file with cnxthcf in the name. If you find it, install the module (using insmod) and then reinstall the others.

John

[Sid Alam]

I was unable to find the cnxthcf file.
I have done search one cnxthcf*.o and *.o
However no file found.

[john5211]

Hi Sid,

You might want to try looking around at mandrakes website, but without the module that contains the commands that were not found (most likely named cnxthcf.o), the other modules will not function properly.

John

[Sid Alam]

>it is generally easier for grab a hardware modem than try to find and install the proper packege for the winmodem.

I have decided to head MJC's advise and purchase an hardware modem.
I don't want to purchase the wrong one.
I guess if I stick to any external serial modem will be okay?

At present I transfer files by either floppy/zip disk to linux modems, thay is anything from the net, since everything now tends be here. But I find this tedious. So will go shopping tomorrow.

[Sid Alam]

I have an urge to make this work.
Many reasons why, the overwhelming reason is to see something through.

One last ditch.
I have removed the link and created a new one:

"rm -f /dev/modem"
"ln -s /dev/ttySHCF0 /dev/modem"

I now wish to test it with these applications:

(1) kppp tool dail
(2) wvdialconf

I have tried looking for this on my linux but can't find it, can anyone help me??????

[john5211]

Hi Sid,

If you really want to find the files, try looking at packages that are not installed (using mandrakes software installer). At this point, however, if you want to try to get the Rockwell modem working, your best bet might be to uninstall all the packages that you installed while you were trying to get the modem to work, and then starting over. Also, if you look several messages up in the thread, there is a link to a site that can tell you whether a particular chipset is a winmodem or not. You might want to check the chipset of your old US Robotics modem against the database at the site, and see if it will work.

If you decide to buy a new modem, look carefully at the box to see if the system requirements include Windows - this is a tipoff that it is a software modem. You can also ask the salsesperson - if they tell you that a particular modem is a hardware modem and it turns out to be a software modem, then you should be able to return in (make sure you have their name, though).

Good Luck,

John

[mjc]

Sorry, John, I went through the same thing with my Conexant modem...never did get it work properly in Mandrake.

And yes I generally agree that the Howto and other info from Linux.org is as good as or superior to the distro stuff, but the packages for download can be better if you grab the one specifically for your distro from the distro's site.

Sid, one other thing about hardware modems...90++% of all external modems are hardware modems. Most newer internals are software.

[john5211]

Originally posted by mjc
Sorry, John, I went through the same thing with my Conexant modem...never did get it work properly in Mandrake.

Yea, I see what you mean :)

[Sid Alam]

I have made the existing modem work.

My new operating system is linux (REDHAT)

I was able to make the modem work on Redhat, I find redhat much easier also to mount to dives, I think I favour this flavour of linux.

But I still need help to surf the web.

The approach I took was:
(1) download the module.
(2) wvdialconf filename
(3) Create /etc/wvdial.conf
(4) wvdial

This was done on Konsole, Here was the output:

--> WvDial: Internet dialer version 1.41
--> Initializing modem.
--> Sending: ATZ
ATZ
OK
--> Sending: ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 S11=55 +FCLASS=0
ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 S11=55 +FCLASS=0
OK
--> Modem initialized.
--> Sending: ATDT 08089916001
--> Waiting for carrier.
ATDT 08089916001
CONNECT 115200
--> Carrier detected. Waiting for prompt.
~[7f]}#@!}!}!} }!}$}%\}"}&} }*} } }#}$@#}%}&3|n;}'}"}(}"}1}$}%b?U~
--> PPP negotiation detected.
--> Starting pppd at Sun Aug 18 18:51:44 2002
exit
quit
Caught signal #2! Attempting to exit gracefully...
--> Disconnecting at Sun Aug 18 18:58:26 2002

I was diffinitely connected as there was the engaged tone on my phone.

New problem:
I opened up browser(s)
(1) Konqueror - typed in address
www.hotmail.com
Popup message: Unkown host: www.hotmail.com

clicked on the home button,
gave me similar error:

(2) Opened netscape,
Netscape is unable to locate the server home.netscape.com
Please check the server na,e and type again.

What shall I do, to server the web.

Note I had to the configuration of the Modem with root user, could this be the problem, if so what shall I do?

[mjc]

From what you posted, it looks like maybe you connected but didn't log into your ISP. Without a DNS address you can connect to your ISP but won't be able to get anywhere from there and eventually you will timeout and disconnect.

In the configuration of the dialer/ppp did you need to enter the details about your ISP account?

Did you have the option to automatically get an IP or do you need to manually enter it (most dial-up services dynamically assign IP addresses so you may need to check with tech support at you ISP for info on how to set up for Linux)? The same for DNS...(many of the newer Linux versions will allow for dynamically assigned IPs, but some still need to have the DNS address manually inserted into the profile).

And yes you may need to actually configure each user profile separately (unless RH allows you to use one configuration for everyone....)