Almost all external modems work right out of the box with Linux, since most are true modems and not winmodems. Your Actiontec will work great and there will be no need to install drivers.
A bummer you don't have the correct port for it. That can be overcome with a
serial port to pcmcia card, but you have to consider the cost of such a device as compared to just buying a 56k PCMCIA device like the Zonet. Then again, you'd likely get better performance from the Actiontec. Hard call, but either way, I think you can get connected. You'll just have to spend a few dollars.
By the way, the new Actiontecs, (unlike mine and yours) also have USB connectivity along with serial port, so a newer one still might be better money spent.
I'd really buckle down and use Google to explore and research all these options and do what you think is going to be the best thing for you.
