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What hardware do I need to access the Internet for a Dial-Up connection?
The hardware needed to access a dial up Internet account is called a modem. What a modem essentially does is that it convert a digital signal into an analog signal that allows your data to traverse the telephone lines until the analog signal reaches its destination when the signal is converted back into a digital signal.
In order to access the Internet you are required to have some sort of hardware installed in your personal computer. The hardware that is most commonly use to gain Internet access via a dial-up connection would be internal ISA, internal PCI, PC Card, Compact Flash, external or an integrated modem.
PCI and ISA refer to the expansion slots that allow your modem to communicate with you computer's motherboard (main board). These cards are internal so the only things that are visible on the outside of the computer will be two RJ11 ports on that card. One of the ports on that card allows you to insert a regular telephone cable that goes directly into the wall from the modem but most modem manufactures want their customers to use their cables. The other port is for an extra telephone that you want functioning in the same area of your computer.
PC Card modems are primarily used on laptop or notebook computers but can be used on a personal computer utilizing a PCI to PCMCIA adapter card. The PC card is also known as PCMCIA interface card. PC Cards come in different forms such as type I, II, III 16-bit and 32-bit Cardbus. PC Card modems come as a type II device therefor fit in a type II or III slot. CardBus PC Card modems require a CardBus slot but other regular PC Cards will operate in a CardBus slot. PC Card type slots do not allow CardBus PC cards to be installed.
Compact Flash modems use the Compact Flash I/O type (CF+) slot on your PDA to access the Internet. Compact Flash modem can operate with a Compact Flash PC card adapter to communicate with your laptop or notebook.
External modems require an RS-232 serial port (DB9) or USB port for Internet access. The RS-232 serial port is in the shape of a D on the rear of the computer and has 9 pins. USB ports can accommodate up to 127 devices per port and is more of a slim type of connector on the rear of the computer. Serial and USB ports can be found on most desktop computers.
Integrated modems are as the name implies, integrated, or attached directly onto the main board of your desktop computer, laptop or notebook.
Make certain that your modem has the available serial port, expansion bus slot, Compact Flash I/O type, PC card type or USB port before you purchase a modem for your computer or PDA. If this precaution is taken before purchasing there won't be any unnecessary trips to the computer store or to a parcel service company to return the device.
All types of dial up modems allow access to the Internet at download speeds that range between 14Kbps to 56Kbps but are limited to 53K, due to regulatory limits on power output. Dial-up modems maximum upload speeds are in the 33Kbps range; some modem manufactures advertise the maximum upload speeds of their modems can reach 44Kbps.
Not only do you need the hardware to access the Internet but you are also required to sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in order to surf the Net. Only then will you be able to enjoy all of the wonderful things the Internet has to offer. For example, access to distance education, video, music and many more invigorating and eye opening experiences. When you're ready to experience more you will need to upgrade to a faster connection - DSL, Cable and above Internet service.
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