Testing modem

How can I test a modem connected to a SuSE 8.2 box? Ideally, I'd like to shove standard command strings to it but don't know how to do this using linux. The reason is that the modem is connected to serial port (ttyS0, symlinked from /dev/modem) but nothing seems to happen when I try to connect. TiA John -- John Pettigrew Headstrong Games john@headstrong-games.co.uk Fun : Strategy : Price http://www.headstrong-games.co.uk/ Board games that won't break the bank Fields of Valour: 2 Norse clans battle on one of 3 different boards