BUTTONS
NETWORKING
In stores you will see a variety of 56k modems at different prices. There are two types of modems: software modems
(win modems) and hardware modems. A software modem has a price range of free after rebates up to about forty dollars.
These modems lack a processor on the modem itself and thus has to send all data to your computers processor.
If you are not running the lastest processor then your computer may appear slow when connected to the internet.
A hardware modem does have a processor and usually ranges in price from fifty to one hundred dollars.
The modem processes all of its information thus resulting in faster computer operation. A relatively new technology
in modems is a v92 standard in which your internet service provider must also provide the v92 service. This technology brings three
new features: quick connect, modem on hold, and PCM upstream. Quick connect will shorten the amount of time it takes to
connect to the internet service provider. Modem on hold allows a user to receive a phone call when browsing the web; call
waiting service is needed to use this feature. PCM upstream will reduce the amount of time to upload files to the internet.
This is becoming useful since the arrival of the digital camera and people who want to send their photos over the internet.
Shown in the picture above is an ethernet card. This card allows a person to connect (talk to) other computers on
the network or to connect to the internet via a cable internet service provider or dsl internet service provider. Being able
to connect to other computers is a nice feature for transferring files from an old computer to a new computer, playing
multiplayer games, and printing when there is only one printer on the network.