Hi, I'm probably not the best person in the world to ask about modems, but I
do have a 56k modem (can't remember which make or model) installed in my
system, which I no longer use to access the internet, but use for faxing.
I have used an external usb modem now (supplied by NTL, combined with the
broadband package) for well over a year, and I haven't had too many problems
with it.
It can become a bit slow at times, but I'm not sure whether that just
depends on the time of day or not, and whether or not alot of others are
accessing the net at the same time.
The usb type suits me for the simple fact that every time I have built a
system so far, I have been able to install my software onto it, and access
the net without installing an internal modem. This works for me, as that way
I can use the new system for a while to see how good (or bad) it's
performing.I think most m/b's have 2 usb ports as standard if I'm not
mistaken. This is the main reason I prefer it.
I do know of others, however, who would never use a usb modem.
I think it may just be a matter of preference, this one is good enough for
what I need it for, and doesn't cost the earth. Also, because it belongs to
my internet provider, they have to replace it if it becomes faulty.(I like
that bit!)

Michele Sayer

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kyle Elmblade" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 8:28 PM
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Modem too slow!


> Hi John,
>
> There is too much we don't know, but there is a little that can be
deduced.
> If the modem is five years old, it is possible it's a 33.6k modem, which
is
> not going to get 56k no matter what the conditions.  The other possibility
> is the phone line quality.  Yes, I know your sister got 44k, but different
> modems will handle the line quality differently.  Finally, it could just
be
> poor manufacturing.  If the internal noise is high enough, it can make the
> modem slower.  Also, if it's a Winmodem, which relies a lot on the
> processor, then this could affect performance as well.
>
> I would suggest a new modem.  As well, if you are planning on staying with
> this machine, I would suggest an external modem.  You will pay a little
bit
> more, but your literal and relative speed will be better with an external.
>
> I suppose the next question would be about a USB modem.  I've never used
> one, but I haven't heard glowing reviews of them either.  Others on the
list
> may have more hands-on experience with them.
>
> Kyle Elmblade
> Distinct Computer Solutions
> Sales - Upgrades - Training - Consulting
> [log in to unmask]
> Great minds discuss ideas.  Average minds discuss events.  Small minds
> discuss people.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Loc" <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 12:41 PM
> Subject: [PCBUILD] Modem too slow!
>
>
> > Hi all,
> > Right now,I'm using Pentium MMX, 200Mhz, with Win98 SE installed. It
seem
> like I will never get my modem to go as high as "40 something" bps. My
> highest speed was 31.2 kbps. I've go into Modem setting and tried
everyting.
> No result. I even go into my ISP homepage(Netzero). They all tell me to do
> the same thing that I had been doing, like seting modem up to max, try
other
> access number, update my modem driver,ect..But to no prevail. I don't
think
> it the Netzero server faults. Because I had tried to use the Web several
> different times during the day, and my sister was able to get her speed of
> about 44.4 kbps using Netzero account. I'm about to give up this modem and
> buy another one. But before I do that, I would like to ask anyone that
might
> know any other ways that I can speed up my modem. I'm using a very
stardard
> 56K modem wit
> > h a not well-know brand name. I had this modem for at least 5 years now.
> Is it possible that the modem back then not capable of deliver speed up to
> "40 something" kbps? Or is it because my system was so slow? If I were to
> buy a new modem, will install it on my system will result the same thing?
> >
> > Any help would greatly appreaciated.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > John Loc.
>
>                          PCBUILD's List Owners:
>                       Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
>                        Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>

                         PCBUILD's List Owners:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>