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. ======================================================= 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 =======================================================