Well, I just had to post. I obviously got my modem working in Mepis. My modem requires the /etc/ppp/options file to use not use modem lines and to use "local" instead. The live CD let me modify the options file, and bingo I can dial out.

I switched the mouse to a Microsoft USB mouse so I have no more serial mouse/serial modem conficts.

At this point this Mepis live CD is the 1st 100% fully functional one I have ever used. Everything works at this point.

And........it is SO similar to what I am already familiar with. It's Debian roots are very evident. I like that.

Linux keeps getting better and better!!

sakiZ