As a further consideration: The USB one mentioned in the above link is relatively future proof, ie some new computer no longer have serial I/O ports. Most computers will continue to support USB for some time to come. However, if you decide to connected your computers via and ethernet network and use one computer as the 'gateway', then you could use a computer with a Serial I/O port and a older conventional external modem. There are still many lying around and some WLUG club members may be willing to sell or give you one.. Otherwise Trademe may offer some options. If you are new to Linux or this modem will form your primary connection to the internet, its best to avoid the internal/Winmodem problem. Any cheap USB modem is unlikely to be a *real* modem either. Cheers, Chris 2009/7/6 Robert D Davidson <robert(a)datamatrix.co.nz>:
Hi Chris,
Thanks for that. I think I will get a US Robotics modem to start with.
Cheers
Robert