60

Appendix E - Installing a Modem Under Linux

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MT5600BA/BL Series User Guide

This appendix explains how to install a modem on a computer operating under the Red Hat Linux 6.2
operating system. Other versions of Red Hat and other Linux operating systems should be similar. Briefly,
in Linux, you do not need drivers for most standard external modems and most internal ISA bus modems.
Programs in Linux commonly call upon the port, rather than the modem.
PC port Linux port
Com1 ttyS0
Com2 ttyS1
Com3 ttyS2
Com4 ttyS3
Connect the external modem to an available serial port.
This section describes how to make sure Linux can talk to the modem and be able to dial up to the
Internet. Linux can use different programs and desktops depending on who made the Linux operating
system and what version it is. The following procedures use the most commonly installed components of
Red Hat 6.2. More information can be found in your Linux OS owner’s manual.
Using the Terminal Program Minicom to Verify Operation
1. At the command prompt, type minicom –s and press ENTER.
2. Select Serial port setup and press ENTER.
3. From Serial port setup, use the A key to access Serial Device, and then press ENTER.
4. Press ESC.
5. You are now in the Minicom terminal. Type AT and press ENTER. The screen should display OK to
verify the operation. Alternately, dial a phone number to verify line operation
6. To leave Minicom, press CTRL + A, and then press Z.
7. On the help menu, press X to exit.