Modem Type

Q: I want to buy a new modem. What type do you recommend?

A: There are several companies that manufacture modems. However, there are two categories of modems on the market: the conventional modem and the Winmodem. All modems are potentially good quality modems. However, it can be harder to reach maximal performances with a Winmodem type of modem.

Winmodems

To decrease modem fabrication costs, Microsoft and the modem makers developed a standard software that allows the Windows operating system to do part of the work that is normally done by small components in the standard modem. To use a Winmodem, you must use the Windows operating system. (With the Linux system, it is possible to use some Winmodems, but not all).

N.B.:

The Winmodem operates exclusively under Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11, and Windows for Workgroups (there are rare exceptions under Linux).

Here is a little test to find out the resources that your Winmodem is using:

Close all applications that are on your task bar. Then, with the right button of the mouse (contextual), click on My Computer, select Properties, then the Performance tab.

The first line indicates the amount of RAM memeory, that is the memory modules installed on your computer's motherboard.

The second line indicates the percentage of available system resources. Note this percentage.

Connect to the Internet without starting any other applications.

Then redo the same operations: with the right button of the mouse, click on My Computer, select Properties, then the Performance tab.

Compare the percentage written on the second line with the percentage noted earlier. The difference indicates the percentage of system resources your your modem is using.

System Configuration

Q: What is the minimal configuration that my system must have to use a Winmodem and obtain optimal results?

• Pentium PC 166 MHz.
• 16 MB of RAM memory is recommended.
• Minimum 5 MB free spaces on the hard drive.
• Microsoft Windows 3.x or Windows 95/98.
• Standard telephone line.
• ISP compatible with V90 56 K ITU Standard.

It is not recommended to install Winmodems too close to your computer's video cards (cards that link your screen to your computer). This card generates an important magnetic field that could influence your modem. As much as possible, it is recommended placing these two cards (modem and video) on your motherboard one or more spaces apart.