Linux Upgrading

There are several ways of doing this. Firstly if the earlier kernel had modem support which isn't in the new kernels you can recompile the kernel source to add the support. Yes you can have up to 8 versions of linux all available through a boot menu(normally the boot menu only holds regular load/ safe mode load/ and (opt) new-build load). I am a little puzzled about it not having support for your modem though. Linux as a rule supports all internal and external modems with the exception of winmodems. Typically, legacy types are jumper configured and setup with modemtool, pnp types typically need set-up with isapnp then modemtool. And as far as operation goes, almost all modems now a days use hayes compatiblility in modem mode so only voiceand fax modes really need special drivers.

Now that i have shot my mouth off, there was a flurtation with modems that required dos bootloaded programs in order to initiatize but these were to my knowlege all legacy types.

Hope some of this helps
BTW: you might try reading the modem howto's they have extensive details on modem work arounds.

rick

Do yourself a big favor get rid of win modems they are too flakey, and use up too much system resource and can really mess up your overall system. I don't even know why they were ever approved for use in the first place.

Rick

Ok it's obvious you really want this winmodem and so your stuck with using rhl7.1. To add rhl8/9 kernels to the system and keep rhl7.1 you will need to use the rpm package handler, insert your rhl8/9 cd mount it and choose to install the new kernel (old 7.1 kernel will still be on your system) Read the man pages that explain how to edit your bootloader so you can choose which kernel to use at each boot. The whole process is explained in detail and far too complex for complete explaination here.

good luck.