Setting Up A Linux Modem
By Stephen Bucaro

Almost all modems manufactured today are software modems, usually referred to as "winmodems". Even though we pay a lot for a winmodem, they are cheap to manufacture because they use very little electronics. The functions that should be performed in hardware are emulated by software. This places an extra processing burden on your computer's CPU. Winmodems will not work with Linux unless you can locate a special "Linmodem" driver.

A hardware modem contains its own on-board controller and DSP circuits. This takes a major processing load off your computer's CPU. A hardware modem will make your dial-up connection work much faster. Hardware modems are difficult to find and very expensive. Hardware modems will work with Linux.