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There is also cable modem which does not use a telephone line but uses cable supplied by your cable TV company to provide Broadband Internet service.
The sending modem modulates the digital data from the computer into a signal that is compatible with the phone line and the receiving one demodulates the signal back into digital data.
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A Modem allows computer terminals all over the world to communicate with each other over phone lines and cable TV.
There are two (2) types:
- Internal
- External
Internal:
This is a type of adapter card which fits in either an ISA or PCI slot on the motherboard.
External:
This is a stand-alone unit that plugs into a serial, ethernet or USB port. It can be moved from one computer to another and connected to your computer without removing the computer case.
Anyone who can plug in connections can be using one in minutes.
You need a modem to be connected to the Internet
To get connected, you need to do so through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Check out my cheap Internet Provider guide here.
Being connected to the Internet allows you to:
- Do shopping online.
- Pay bills online.
- Be able to view your bank and credit card statements online.
- Send and receive emails thereby reducing the need for making expensive telephone calls.
- Send and receive faxes.
- Communicate with family and friends via a messenger service thus reducing your telephone bills.
- Communicate via webcam and be able to see and hear your family and friends.
- By connecting a headset to your soundcard, your computer can be used like a telephone to communicate long distance and internationally thereby reducing your telephone bills.
- Fill out required applications via the Internet.
- Search for and read articles of interest.
The standard Internet connections using modems are as follows:
Dial-Up Connection:
This uses your telephone line to connect to the Internet. A standard modem with a maximum speed of 56K is used and a telephone number is dialed to establish an Internet connection.
The advantage of this type of service is its wide availabilty and cost.
The disadvantages are slow speed and, unless you are using a dedicated telephone line, calls could be missed while connected to the Internet. Because of this problem, there is an added cost if you opt for a dedicated line.
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DSL Connection:
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses your regular telephone line and provides fast Internet access. Connection is 'Always On'.
The advantage of this type of service is being able to use your telephone while being connected to the Internet; hence, there is no need for a dedicated line.
The disadvantages of DSL are cost and limited availability.
Cable Connection:
This connection, like the DSL, is extremely fast but does not use a telephone line. Connection is provided through your Cable TV company and is 'Always On'.
The disavantages are cost and service not available everywhere.
Conclusion
We have described some different types of modems available for Internet connection.We do hope that you found this guide helpful.
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