You need to know about two different modem classifications:
1. Internal versus external
2. Low-speed versus high-speed
However, most new computers come with the modem already installed.
Internal versus external
First and most important, any modem that you buy must be compatible with the type of computer you own, i.e. Macintosh or IBM-compatible. However, it may be possible to connect a PC modem to a Macintosh computer simply by purchasing a different type of connecting cable. have a Macintosh, make sure you speak to a salesperson who is knowledgeable about both modems and Macintosh computers.
If you
Most internal modems are for the PC or AT architecture. An internal modem is on a plug in card similar to a sound card. Typically you will open the case of a PC and find a free slot, and plug the modem card into that slot. Obviously, you must fee comfortable enough to do this or you may have it installed by the store at the time of purchase. Most PC's now come with an internal modem already installed.
Internal modems are about $10 to $15 cheaper than external modems. Once it 5 installed, an internal modem takes up no desk space. A line from the back of your computer system plugs directly into any telephone jack.
An external modem is a stand-alone unit that is connected to your computer with a serial cable. Another line is used to pug the modem into a telephone jack. An external modem may have its own power supply which must be plugged into an electrical outlet. It is usually easy to install and move from one computer to another.
The advantages of an internal modem are its lower cost and that it takes Iess space.
The disadvantages of an internal modem are many. Moving the modem to a
different machine is tedious, since the modem is installed inside the machine. It the modem should ever misbehave, you cannot easily reset it without rebooting your machine. An internal modem occupies one serial port on your computer system--you cannot easily remove it to temporarily plug in some other device on that serial port.
Many users of internal modems end up being quite frustrated due to the difficulty of swapping modems, of getting the status on an internal modem and of having to reboot the entire system to reset the modem However, I have successfully used internal modems on my own computer systems and have not experienced any difficulties. Most communications software programs are now designed to eliminate some of the problems but many service providers still strongly recommend external modems.
Low-speed versus high-speed
Modems come in various speeds. The speed is measured in bps (bits per second>. The term 'baud' is sometimes incorrectly used as a synonym for 'bps'. Common data rates are 300, 1200, 9600, and 14,400 and 28, 800 bps. Anything below 14.4, however is rapidly becoming obsolete and is useless for anything other than downloading text. The higher the data rate, the faster you will see the results on your screen. It is recommended that you purchase a modem that is running at 14,400 if you expect to use the World Wide Web. Generally, you should buy the best and fastest modem that you can afford and prices are dropping all the time.
V. 34: This is the current standard for high speed modems. V.34 allows higher connect speeds on noise free telephone lines. lt is recommended that you purchase a modem that supports this standard.
The best advice to be given is to talk with a knowledgeable salesperson who is familiar with your type of computer. A wise modem purchase is the first step to a successful online experience.
