Mandrake 9.1 internet connection

[Richard Dawson <rcdawson@att.net>]

I have managed to get linux 9.1 running on my Compaq 4000 (Pentium MMX) 
machine.  After a bit of a struggle I got it to recognize the 
linux-compatible U.S. Robotics modem and assign it to ttyS4.  Through 
the Mandrake Control Center (MDC) I used DrakConnect to set up the 
internet connection through the modem.  I can now connect to the 
internet, but only by logging in as root and using DrakConnect.

When I open the browser (Konquerer) and request a non-local URL, it 
doesn't automatically fire up the dialer and activate the modem.  I 
don't seem to find a program in the start applications menu or an icon 
for a dialer.  

I was first inspired to try Linux when a non-profit organization with 
which I am associated was given several of these machines -- with no 
software.  I thought this the perfect application (excuse to 
experiment?) for Linux.  Of course, they needed bigger hard drives, more 
memory, the video cards were incompatible, the sound cards 
unrecognized.........  I, an engineer who has put together and updated 
several DOS/Windows machines, but who is not a computer or software 
engineer, thought I would be able to muddle through.   --  and I have, 
but after having taken a couple of Linux classes, purchased bits and 
pieces of hardware, purchased different distributions of Linux (I do 
believe that we users should support the community that provides the 
software), and spent numerous hours chasing a solution, I think I would 
have been money ahead to buy the several new Windows machines for the 
organization!  

But I don't want to do that.  I want to get these machines running and 
set a precedent for using Linux -- with its lower cost of ownership!

So......  Can anyone help me solve this immediate problem?


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