*inmodems cause of there using drivers and software to run slow down your computer cause it basicly steals CPU cycles from the main CPU, where as socalled 'hardware modems' have there own processor to do all the work for them insted of passing it off like a *inmodem.

also, did you research this question before asking? cause ive answered this tons of times.....

also also, my linmodem works fine. it runs just the way i need it to under linux. just lucky i guess...... i tend to notice that if a *inmodem is in a laptop its more likely to get suported cause there not as easy and cheep to switch out.......