modem education

[Bob Hemus]

O.K. fellas, I hope this stupidity is not an indication getting older slows 
you down, on the other hand I'd hate to think I was ths stupid all my life? 
But, I thought a modem that ran boh Linux and M$ was just a kind of switch 
with embedded software.  I thought embedded software was burned-in?  I 
googled Linux -> modems -> drivers @ google.com/linux and eventually ended 
up with "ltmodem-kv_2.4.20_4GB-8.26a9-1.i3866.rpm and one for a Debian 
distro.  It was from ActionTec, which is what my modem is and it lsted 
drivers for OS2, Win 3.1 to XP. but nuthin' for my modem which this is 
specifically for the Lucent chip I have??  In the ActionTec Manual for ths 
file it describes how to set up a /dev/ttySx and a /dev/c?ua? (didn't copy 
it down and it won't display on XP), but says after kennel 2.2 that became 
obsolete?
Would some gracious member of this outstanding group of Ladies&Gentlemen 
give me a hint to educate myself about the functions of modems?  Please?
Thanks, Bob