u p g r a d e     c e n t r a l

A modem is a device that translates data between the digital signals used in computers and the analog signals that can be transferred across phone lines. Most PCs today that are not designed to be connected to a network come with a modem, because in addition to allowing the user to access on-line services and bulletin boards, send faxes, and place phone calls, modems provide access to the Internet and e-mail, which are increasingly important to more and more people.

If you already have a modem but want better performance, it is usually advisable to upgrade to a faster model. However, the present modem technology has some limitations that make the price of a new modem in some cases not worth the increase in speed. The fastest modems today can receive data from across the Internet at about 56 kilobits per second, or kbps, only under ideal situations; that is, there must be high-quality phone lines linking the modem to the Internet service provider, and the Internet service provider must also use modems with the same technology. Moreover, they can function only half as fast when sending data across the Internet and when sending or receiving data without using the Internet service provider. For example, information can be sent to or retrieved from bulletin boards at 33.6 kbps at most, because the Internet service provider is not involved in this connection. The previous generation of modems, on the other hand, which can send and receive data at speeds of at most 33.6 kbps, use older, more supported technology and thus can achieve peak performance under a greater range of conditions. They require neither phone lines of particularly high quality nor an Internet Service Provider with a special kind of modem. A full hardware upgrade from a 33.6 kbps modem to a 56kbps modem, therefore, may not be very economical.

Modems are sold as either internal or external. Internal modems are mounted inside the computer in one of the computer's ISA or PCI expansion slots, while external modems reside outside of the computer's case and are connected via the serial port. There is no difference in performance between the two types, but internal modems tend to be less expensive.

External modems range in price from $75 to $300. Speed should be your biggest consideration when you're purchasing. If you are purchasing a 56 kbps modem, this includes making sure that it will be compatible with your Internet service provider. You may be able to narrow your choices by considering special features such as Call Waiting, distinctive rings for different types of calls, and teleconferencing or fax software that many modems come equipped with. The warranty on the modem may also be an important factor, because modems are vulnerable to damage in power surges.

It takes about 30 minutes to install an external modem. No tools are required.

Click here for a list of links to external modem manufacturers.