>does anybody know how to setup a dial up internet connection using the
>slip protocol. i have netbsd current i386 running. 

There's a description of how to make SLIP connections in "TCP/IP Network Administration",
second edition by Craig Hunt (O'Reilly 1998 - one of the "nutshell handbooks")
p. 153 ff.

>Also, can somebody
>please tell me how to find the special string the modem seems to require
>before a call can be placed. my modem is Boca 56k fax/data/voice PnP
>internal isa card. help appreciated.

Usually just "ATZ" or "AT&F" to reset or fetch factory defaults respectively.
I'd consult the manual for the modem. But you might need more commands e.g.
to turn off the speaker og setup specific response codes. These settings can
be stored in the modem too of course and restored with an AT&Fn command.

Anders