Modem

Making sure you can connect to the Internet with speed

A computer modem is used to connect a computer to the Internet. It does this by using a transmitter, either through the phone line or through a TV cable, to connect to an Internet service provider. Modems are essential to today's computer users – without them, computers are virtually useless - at least for commerce and communication, which happen online.

You can get modems in two models: external, which means that you'll have to plug the modem into your computer using a special hookup, or internal, which means that it can access the Internet by a simple cable or even wirelessly. Most laptops include an internal wireless modem; most desktop PCs will have an Internet card but will require an external modem with USB capability in order to access the Internet.

Although one would think that dial-up modems are on their way out, this is not entirely true. Many users still use dial-up modems, which access the Internet through your telephone line. Cable modems, which are more popular, access the Internet through a TV cable. Normally, this means you get much faster service, as a cable modem uses broadband in order to provide the fastest service to users. A DSL modem is a type of cable modem. Both DSL and cable modems will need to be matched to the specific Internet provider, while a dial-up modem can be used with virtually any Internet provider.

A 56k modem is basically standard for the industry – 56k means that the speed of the modem is 56 kilobytes per second. Cable modems are faster. Normally, modems only service one computer, but a modem router allows you to "split" the connection (like you would split cable) to two or more computers.

Must-Have Features

• A PC card built into your computer if you want to use an internal modem.
• USB ports to plug in an external modem.
• A modem that's at least 56k. Don't be fooled – although it's pretty standard, some dial-up modems are slower.
• A modem that will match the standards of your Internet provider.

Major Considerations

• Do I want an internal or external modem?
• Will I use cable or dial-up Internet?
• Do I want a wireless modem to ensure easier travel with my PC?
• How much am I willing to pay for a modem?

Top Manufacturers

• Linksys
• Motorola
• D-Link
• Intel

Common Accessories or Add-Ons

• Modem router
• Internet cable

Price Range

Most external modems can be rented from your Internet service provider, but modems themselves go for about $40 to $100. A PC card can cost up to $50, depending on what sort of PC you are buying it for.

Summary

Without a modem, you can't access the Internet. Modems come in external or internal models and use dial-up, cable, wireless or DSL Internet.

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