Modem Basics

The word modem is made up from two other words, modulator and demodulator. You need a modem to enable your computer to transmit over telephone lines. The modem converts the digital data in the computer into analogue form that the telephone wire can accept, and back again.

A modem can be external - that is, it can be attached to the outside of any computer with an RS-232 port. Most personal computers have such a port. The modem can also be internal, fitting into an expansion slot as an expansion board

The speed of a fast modem is referred to as bits per second or bps. Really fast modems run at a speed of 57,600 bps. While you would think that the fastest modem would be the best, your fast modem would not be able to receive data any faster than the modem that is sending it. Thus, if you were receiving from a slow one, it would be at the same rate.

Some modems can switch from voice to data, so they can be used for both the computer and as a telephone. They have both a microphone and loudspeaker in them for this purpose. You can even get a modem that automatically takes a message from the telephone and stores it on your computer. That would be really handy for those who are conducting business with their computer. Most modern modems are also able to send and receive faxes.

By: Melanie

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