Modems

Modems these days are standard on any computer sold. The speed of your modem is important if you are going to do web work from home or in your dorm room. Don't even consider it unless your modem speed is 28,800 baud or better. Of course, if you access the web from a school lab or a library, you don't need to worry about this.

For most of us, it is best to have someone install the modem and test it to make sure it is working. If you want to do it, you should be a person who is not afraid to tinker with some of the fine points of system operation.

Cable companies also sometimes offer the use of cable modems at speeds that make the 56 K modem look like it is going backwards. However, the charge for these is almost double the charge for 28K and 56K modems. On the other hand, if you are considering installing a special dedicated phone line for your modem, the total cost of the special line plus ISP is about the same as with Cable modem. If Cable modem is available is available in your area, tis is probably the best alternative.

Still, two other modem options have arisen - DSL and ISDN. Both of these are faster lines than 58K, but slower than a cable modem. They cost less to maintain than a cable modem, though.