Over the past few years Microcomputer Services has answered thousands
of queries from users about connecting to the Internet from home. Many
users call because they cannot get their modem to successfully connect
after installing their Internet access software (this is usually referred
to as Remote Access software). Often the problem can be traced to the
type of modem the user has purchased.
Many users have asked us for advice on purchasing a modem--this document
is our attempt at helping users interested in purchasing a modem. Direct
references to speed or price in this document may be dated--always be
sure to shop around for the best price. For up-to-date recommendations
please contact Microcomputer Services at 346-4412 or send email to microhelp@oregon.
There are three basic rules of thumb which can help to avoid many
of the pifalls which we have seen, these are:
- The less you pay for a modem, the less you are getting. Cheaper
modems cost less because they tend to leave out essential hardware
and/or software components which will allow them to work correctly
with many of the software packages that are used to connect to the
Internet.
- If you own a PC or Mac it is almost always better to purchase an
external modem rather than an internal modem whenever possible.
- Host based modems, also called "WinModems" appear to be
the most problematic of any available. Unfortunately, many PC vendors
include these as the "free" modem that comes with your system.
You can see our recent
article on this topic for more information on WinModems.
External modems have a number advantages, some of these are:
- You can avoid the issue of serial port conflicts with an external
modem.
- External modems usually contain lights which you the status of
your connection. With an internal modem there is no visual verification
that you are connected to a service or that data is being sent or
received.
- External modems usually have easily adjustable speaker volumes.
- If your modem does not hangup correctly you can simply turn it
off. With an internal modem you may need (from time-to-time) to shut
down your machine, turn off the power and then restart your machine
to hangup the modem.
- You do not need to open your machine to install the modem.
- You do not need to (possibly) configure jumpers on an external
modem.
- We have seen a number of internal modems which claim to be the
counterpart of an external model which actually lack certain essential
features.
- Finally, you can always use an external modem (easily) on more
than one machine and take it with you when you upgrade to a new computer.
Currently, the fastest modem available for use over a standard phone
line is known as a "56k" modem. Prior to the spring of 1998
there were two competing 56k formats--X2 and k56flex. The current 56k
standard is known as v.90.
The University of Oregon only supports the finalized v.90 standard.
If you are looking to purchase a 56k modem, we recommend buying a v.90
modem. A k56flex or X2 modem that can be upgraded to v.90 should also
work but may connect slower than a v.90 modem.
Our modems can automatically connect at slower speeds. If you have
an older modem, it will likely work against our existing modems.
When you go to buy a modem if you pay less than $75 for an external
56k modem there is a good chance that you are buying a modem which may
lack crucial hardware or software features. Internal modems tend to
run a little cheaper than external modems for many of the reasons we
mention above comparing external and internal modems.
As you may know the prices of computers and their components fluctuates
so rapidly that we may see less expensive but reliable modems in the
future.
If you have technical questions about the purchase of a modem feel
free to contact Microcomputer Services at 346-4412, via e-mail at microhelp@oregon.uoregon.edu,
or stop by the Microcomputer Support Center in Room 202 of the Computing
Center anytime between 10 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Modem
models and quality change constantly. The issues surrounding what type
of modem will work with your machine and what modems seem to work well
can be complicated. Microcomputer Services can help you to make an informed
choice.
Finally, we present a short list of modem and dial-in related problems
which we have seen and some modems we know work well with the modems
used at the University of Oregon.
- We recommend the purchase of name brand equipment. US Robotics
Sportster 56k, Diamond Supra 56e, Zoom 56k External, Hayes Accura
56k external are known to work examples. We know these modems and
models work well with the UO modem pools. Obviously there are other
decent modems available, but these are the ones we have dealt with
directly. We plan to create a specific list of "believed to work"
and modem models that have issues web-page. Feel free to send us email
at microhelp@oregon.uoregon.edu
with information regarding what you know works.
PCMCIA (AKA "PC CARD") Modem Choices
- When purchasing a PCMCIA modem a crucial step is to purchase name
brand modems. If your generic modem is not supported by Windows
95/98, then the complexity of making the modem work may be so great
that you will eventually return the modem.
- It is especially important to buy good quality, typically brand-name,
PCMCIA cards. The "good quality" brands tend to have a real
manual with support phone numbers and a good website.
- Macintosh users must be sure to purchase a Macintosh Specific model
of PCMCIA modems to insure that the modem has drivers that work with
the Macintosh.
- Finally, if you purchase a modem be sure that it comes with a manual
documenting its features and internal command set. This will be essential
if, for some reason, your modem does not connect using standard configurations
for Internet access software.
