Modem Guide
For those of us who are not so sure, a modem converts digital information to analog by MODulating it on the sending end, and DEModulating the analog information into digital information at the receiving end.
Important features of a modem:
V.92
V.92 is the latest innovation in modem standards. It is compatible with older systems. Most ISP’s today have switched to V.92, so make sure your modem supports this standard.
External or Internal
Modems are of two types- External and Internal. An external modem is placed outside the PC and plugged into a jack on the back through a cable. It comes with useful status lights. An internal modem is plugged into a PCI or ISA slot inside the PC. It costs less but you will have to make some effort while installing it.
On-board Controller
Most high performance modems today come with an on-board controller. A "Controller" is used to process commands and handle error correction and data compression. Modems that don’t have a Controller (also known as Win or Windows modems) shift all this processing to the PC's processor. This results in decreasing the performance of the computer during on-line gaming and multimedia applications. All modems that come with a Flash Memory have an on-board controller.
On-board Digital Signal Processing
A majority of the PCs today come with "soft modems". These load all Digital Signal Processing and Controller processing onto the PC. This reduces the performance of your modem and while you are online. If you are not satisfied with the modem given to you at the time of purchase, now is the time to replace it. Zoom modems come with an on-board DSP.
Fax
This provision lets you send and receive faxes through your computer.
Voice Mail
This solves the purpose of a telephone answering machine.
Lightning Protection
Most modem failures are caused by lightning. Buy a modem like Zoom that has incorporates patented circuitry for lightning protection to protect your modem from lightning.
Tip: Some important features of a modem are V.92, on-board Controller, on-board DSP, fax, voice-mail and Lightning controller.
| 
