For Linux Newbies
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A driver generally is software code through which the
central processor unit (CPU) manages computer hardware.
Linux is highly modular, in that driver functionality  
can often EITHER be compiled into a kernel (core brain)
or be loaded only when needed in the form of modulare  
binaries, modules.o.  The ltmodem-5.nn kits contain    
specific modem "driver" code, to be combining with     
external resources, kernel-headers. What are they.     

Linux source code is multifaceted and supports an increasing
array of hardware platforms (initially simple PCs only, 
but now PCs with dual processors and additional the very
distincy hardware platforms of MACs, Sun SPARCS, 
Compaq alphas and others).  These are accomodated in part
through a large common core of "source code", which is   
itself NOT functional on any platform.

Specs needed/chosen for a particular platform (a single CPU PC 
for example) are done during a kernel configuration process.
A resulting file /usr/src/linux/.config has the record of the
choices and the interDEPendencies between During a subsequent:
$	make dep 
kernel-headers (with FileNames.h) are constructed. These provide 
the specialization to a particular platform ann often
additional  customization to a particular Users needs.
They together are the immediate resource used in compiling drivers
and other "binaries", which are most efficiently used by the CPU.

Many Linux distros provide kernel-header packages matching
their stock kernels, which can be imported. These are MUCH
simpler to use than working with Linux source packages.   
Newbies should take this route, at least initially.

With EVERY major kernel change, the modem (and all other drivers)
generally should be re-compiled, though functionality can 
often be maintained under the duress of mis-matched versions
between kernels and drivers. CREDITS summarizes such early battles
with the ltmodem drivers, with a more general write up 
in the Linmodem-HowTo.  
                        