Installing device drivers

[David Meiser <dmeiser420@netscape.net>]

I recently have decided to install Debian on my computer after a long 
absence from the Linux world.  However, I bought a cheap Winmodem and 
after a long, involved search I have actually found a device driver for 
Linux.  After consulting with a couple of friends, none of us were able 
to figure out, remember, or actually find (in the man pages) how to 
install device drivers for hardware not supported in the kernel.  I have 
not actually installed Debian yet (because of the modem), I can install 
the driver during the install.

Basically, my question comes down to this:  if I put the driver on to a 
3.5" diskette, does it need to be zipped (as I downloaded it) or unzipped?

Thank you.......................DAVE