Adding a Modem

The process for adding a modem is very similar to that for adding a terminal. In most cases, the procedure outlined earlier in “Adding a Terminal” can be followed.

Modems are used for several purposes on a Linux system, such as networking, connecting to remote systems, and accepting incoming calls. If the modem is to act as a conduit into the Linux system for remote terminals, the procedure given in “Adding a Terminal” is followed, except for the entries that will be selected in the /etc/inittab file. In the case of a modem, find a set of lines that move through the different baud rates the modem supports.

Modems that are to be used for networking through the UUCP utility are dealt with in Chapter 37, “Networking,” and Chapter 39, “UUCP.” It includes information on setting the different configuration files properly.

For modems used to call out of the system, Linux has a menu-driven configuration utility as part of the setup command, which can set the proper configuration information automatically.

Summary

This chapter has shown you the basics of devices, device management, and how to add new devices to your Linux system. The information presented applies to most distributions of Linux, although there might be some slight changes in options and arguments as the different utilities are enhanced or streamlined. If you want more information about any of the commands, refer to the man pages that came with Linux, or consult a comprehensive system administration book. From here, you can learn more about:

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) devices and how they add to your Linux system’s flexibility in Chapter 36, “SCSI Device Support.”

Setting up email on your Linux system in Chapter 40, “Configuring Linux for Mail.”

Setting up a news server for Usenet in Chapter 41, “Configuring Linux for News.”

The tar command, backups, and the importance of making backup copies of your system in Chapter 45, “Backups.”