dial-up modem usage

[Rob Owens <rowens@ptd.net>]

I'm setting up a Debian system for a friend, and he uses a dial-up
modem.  It's been many years since I dealt with a modem, so I could use
a few tips.

I know that winmodems probably won't work, so I may have to swap it out
for something in my old parts bin.  What is used to control dialup these
days?  Does NetworkManager do it?  5 years ago I was using kppp on
Mandrake...

This system will have occasional access to wireless high speed internet,
so I need a solution that allows for that as well.

Thanks for any tips.

-Rob