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]>