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W H A T I S A M O D E M ?
A modem is a device that allows a computer to communicate
and transfer files with other computers over a telephone
line. The word modem is an acronym. Modem stands for
modulator-demodulator.
When a modem sends data, it is acting as a digital to
analog converter. That is, it takes data in digital form
and converts it to sound (analog) to go over a telephone
line. The modem on the receiving end acts as an analog to
digital converter. It takes the sound (analog) it
receives and translates it into data.
If you want to have some fun, go to the largest super
computer store that you can find. One with plenty of
salespeople. Find a salesperson who looks eager. Tell him
you are new to computers; however, a friend told you to
get a modulator-demodulator for your computer. One
salesperson will ask another and so on up the chain. If
it gets to the top, you might be nice and give them a
hint: "I believe he said it was also called a modem."
WHY MODEM?
The question is not, "Why modem?" but, "Why not Modem?"
People are buying modems and learning how to use them for
all kinds of reasons. Below are fifteen popular reasons
to own and use a modem:
1. Download 1000's of software programs from
online services and BBSs.
2. Use cheap electronic mail (e-mail) and thus
avoid snail-mail (mail delivered by postmen).
3. Exchange files and e-mail with your work
computer.
4. Get up to the minute weather, stock quotes,
and sports information.
5. Send faxes.
6. Do research using the most up-to-date
information from online databases.
7. Earn a college degree.
8. Work from your home and send your work to the
computer at the office.
9. Play online games and download the latest
shareware programs.
10. Do real detective work using electronic
databases and "superbureaus."
11. Join a "CHAT" board or global "chat forum."
12. Subscribe to free electronic journals,
newsletters, and access forums and
newsgroups.
13. Use your modem to connect to your county
records.
14. Connect to your local library using their
"dial-up" service to search for books from
the comfort of your own home. You can find
out if the book you want is available or if
it has been checked out. Many local libraries
also have collections of CD-ROM databases
like InfoTrak which can be accessed via
modem. To find out about such services all
you have to do is call your library and ask.
15. Connect to the Library of Congress and
do an online search.
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This section is finished. Copyright (c) 1995 by
Steven Woas. All rights reserved. Registered users of
Modem Workshop receive "Steve's Essential Internet Tips"
as a bonus.
See OTHER PRODUCTS at the main menu for a description and
pricing on these exciting products:
Steve's Essential Internet Tips
Detective Databases, 1995 edition
Online Medical!
Learning DOS for the Complete Novice, 2nd edition
The Superhighwayman
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