-> ->> KNOPPIX is very good at auto-detecting hardware compared to
-> ->> other Linux 'installs'. You should be able to find someone
-> ->> who can assist you if you have a hardware modem. For the
-> ->> printer problem I really can't say why it would not work
-> ->> for you. 

-> WC> I don't understand this either unless he lacks a hardware
-> WC> modem. Just setting up the dialer takes 2 minutes. 

-> WC> As I've the modem on COM 1 on my RS-232 serial port I
-> WC> select ttyS0, 

-> I'm guessing this is the culprit - selecting "ttyS0" - that is
-> stopping Tom from using his modem. ;-) 

My guess as well.
He stated he's using the modem test routine.
I can do that as well but until I specify the port it's no go.

As I've a standard modem I don't even bother with the test routine.

Both the 28,800 Practical Peripherals and 56k USR modems
work just fine ater setting the COM port to COM 1, no test or
autodetect required.

-> WC> name a user account ( Verizon), provide the number for the
-> WC> ISP, plug in user name and password and I'm surfing. 
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v3.0pr5