A modem is a device that modulates a digital signal into an analog signal. The signal then is demodulated back into a digital signal at the receiving modem. (If you haven’t guessed, the term modulate was the basis for the word modem.) A modem allows a user to do a variety of tasks, including:

• Connect to the Internet
• Connect to a remote network
• Connect to another PC directly
• Send and receive faxes
• Accept incoming phone calls

Modem attributes There are several attributes of a modem that will effect its installation and configuration: whether the modem is internal or external, the available resources on the computer, and the speed of the modem. The most prominent of these is the speed of the modem. Speed is measured in bits per second (bps)—and in today’s world, the more bps the merrier. Realistically, as far as analog modems are concerned, dial-up connection speed begins promptly at 56K, or 56,000bps.

Installing a modem

Installing a modem is not difficult work. As most computers today ship with a modem installed already, you’re likely to find yourself replacing modems more often than installing them from scratch.

STEP BY STEP: Installing a Modem

• 1. Power off the computer and disconnect all cords from the PC. Open the case of the computer according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• 2. If you are replacing a modem, remove the old modem from its bus. If you’re adding a new modem, confirm that the modem you’re about to add has an available bus on the motherboard.
• 3. If necessary, remove the plate that allows access to the modem on the back of the PC. Insert the new modem into the appropriate slot. The card should fit snugly and firmly with a satisfying snap.
• 4. Screw the modem into place and replace the case’s cover and all of the cords.
• 5. Most modems have two “jacks” or receptacles. The first jack connects to the telephone line. The second jack connects to a telephone, caller-ID station, or fax machine. The modem can route the call to the appropriate device if the call is not meant for it. Connect the modem directly to the incoming phone line and then connect the phone to the modem’s second phone port. Modems accept RJ-11 connectors, the transceiver on the end of a standard phone line.

Configuring a modem

Windows 9x and Windows 2000 both use Plug-and-Play to detect and install modems. In some instances, the modem may not be detected properly through Plug-and-Play. You can use either the Device Manager in the System or Modems applets in the Windows Control Panel to confirm that your modem has been detected and installed properly. If you find that your modem has not been installed, you’ll have to add your modem manually using the Add New Hardware Wizard in the Add/Remove Hardware applet of the Control Panel.

As with most hardware, the drivers for the modem are typically included with the modem on a floppy or CD. Additionally, the manufacturer’s Web site should supply updated drivers for the device.