Drivers are Kernel modules (for the most part) in Linux and need to be compiled with your kernel.... its not as hard of a process as it sounds

(simple explanation)
but be warned that "Winmodems" or modems that are PlugAndPlug modems that are designed and intended to be run on Windows are a major pain to get working under Linux because of the way the Modem takes and gives instruction... Most of the functions that these modems carry out and preformed by the drivers instead of the hardware its self (these are also called "SoftModems"... (this may or may not be the case with your hardware)

....In short - You may not get this modem working.


to your second question: Its not allowed for root to login to KDE...nor is it safe. ... You say you are always "knoppix" Are you runnign from the CD? if so this is normal as the CD is a single-user system.. if you installed to the HD then the same still applies if you chose a "Knoppix Style" install

Anything in the control center that needs root access will prompt you for the root password.

If you are using the "Root Term" ...then you ARE root. ... any commands carried out in that terminal are being issue by the root account. .... simple way to tell:

A normal user prompt looks like this:
Code:
onemyndseye@exodus:~$

A root user prompt looks like this:
Code:
root@exodus:/home/onemyndseye#
notice the $ and the # ....



Take care,
-Justin
One Mynds Eye