( 
)Software vs Hardware: A Ubiguitous Guide to Dial-Up Modems
IN the great sea of the internet, you have cargo ships, tankers, luxury liners, yachts, junk, and dingys. Amongst this huge ocean-faring traffic is the mighty dingy that is Dial-up Internet. Oh, the vast world of super information at your fingertips at an astounding 56k... Yeah, amongst the hours you would spend downloading one You Tube Video there are issues that can make your dial up experience seem like Interweb Hell. The trials and tribulations of Internet began with Dial-up and for many users, it is still the only option.
What is a modem?
A modem is a device that allows your computer to connect to the network providing your internet connection. This can travel your phone lines (dial-up), your cable connection (cable modem), your phone lines (DSL), or potentially a wireless connection -- uhh, its sorta like a modem, but can differ with different services.
Dial-up 56k Goodness
A Dial-up Modem is a component of your computer that allows you to connect to the internet via your phone. In most cases, it is a removable circuit board with a telephone jack. This device connect to your computer via USB, PCI, Mini PCI, or may be integrated into your computer. IN this case, we will be discussing the PCI modem, the evils of USB, the wonders of Mini PCI, and the unfortunate circumstances of integrated modems. SO, pull up your chair, grab a bowl of popcorn, and hang on for a magic carpet ride through the world of Dial-up Modems.
USB Modems: The Dark Side of Dial-up
Universal Serial Bus has to be one of my most favorite Serial Buses out there. What's not to like about it? It's Universal, It's Serial, and it's a bus. You have one type of connector (actually probably 8) that allows you to plug almost any type of device (like a USB Lava Lamp) into any USB port and immediately (sometimes after installing the drivers) have a connection. It's hot swappable (sometimes, if you go through the tedious process of stopping the device and then remove it) and it's catchy (so is chicken pox).
Well, we all agree USB is great and wonderful, but can I connect to dial-up with a USB. The answer is - "Yes, you can." But the reality is "No you probably won't." Why you probably won't is because USB Modems almost never work correctly. Even Apple's newest USB Modem is not immune to the horrors of Bad Modemship. Most USB Modems have almost no way to adjust settings and you are required to simply unplug and pug them back in to reset them. Yes, that's an easy fix, but lack of control ultimately leaves you with two modes of operation - "Not Working" and "Not Always Working."
The Idea of USB was to replace the aging technology that was previously Serial Modem. The reality of USB Modem is cheaply manufactured garbage, hawked by an unknowledgeable salesperson at a large unnamed Electronics firm. The vast majority of USB Modems I have run across spent their immediate career lining the bottom of a dumpster. Others went right back to that unnamed Electronic Store, granting its previous owner a generous portion of cash with which to purchase a reliable device.
My Advice: Stay away from USB Dial-Up Modems!
MiniPCI: A solution to an answer that was questioned about its minute stature.
PCI stands for "peripheral component interconnect" which is tech for "slot to plug stuff into." Now those of you who do not know what "Mini" stands for, it is a lazy person's way of abbreviating the $5 word - "miniature." (Why 5 letters were shaved off is beyond me. I don't write the rules about English. I didn't coin the word. Why are you grilling me?) Those of you who skipped this section and instead read the PCI section will know that PCI is a type of slot found on a computer's motherboard for connecting various devices to that computer. Devices such as...uhh, maybe a modem?
Since you gathered the mini part means it is a smaller version of the PCI, what on earth wold require a miniature computer component? Maybe a small form factor PC, a palmtop computer or a laptop. MiniPCI modems can be either software or hardware modems. One of the more common is the Lucent Winmodem and they can be bundled with Network Ethernet or Wireless connectivity to cut down on components. For the most part, changing one of these would only be an option if you had a laptop. If you are geeky to know about the adapters used to adapt this to a standard PCI slot,t hen you likely would not need to be reading this article.
Integrated Modems: A Series of Unfortunate Events
Integrated modems are usually found on lower priced desktop and laptops. They are often integrated into the sound card and can cause you much pain and misery. If you have one of these in your desktop, you often have to disable it via the CMOS settings. If you have one in your laptop, you might not have to disable it, but a failed modem could bring about the end of your computer.
I won't dabble too much in this area other than to say, desktops in this area may have additional PCI slots for you to upgrade. If they don't, I would suggest investing in a new computer, or at the very lest, building your own. In this case, you might consider a serial modem. If it has a PCMCIA slot, you can go that route. USB might work for you, but I wouldn't hold your breath.
On a laptop, your choice is go serial, go USB, or go PCMCIA. Most PCMCIA cards are hardware cards, so you may be in luck. I wouldn't bother with USB unless your other options have failed.
PCI Internal Modems: At last!
As stated earlier, PCI stands for "peripheral component interconnect." There are several different types of PCI to choose from, but for this article, we will stick to the regular old PCI Modems we have all grown to love. They're great. PCI Modems come in two flavors -- Software and Hardware.
A Software modem is a modem that basically just contains a phone jack and uses a piece of software to control the various modem functions. These functions include detecting and compensating for line conditions, sending and receiving data, and making that scratchy sound followed by the noise that sounds like a cat in a food processor. Because all of the functions are controlled by software, the card is fairly small and inexpensive. The vast majority of store-bought and namebrand desktops will contain a software modem.
A Hardware modem is a modem that contains all of the components to actually control all modem functions located on the modem itself. The modem simply has a driver to allow your operating system to utilize the modem functions. But all functions of the modem are maintained by the card, itself. Hardware modems also require far less system resources to function.
Hardware vs Software: The Eternal Struggle
Now both types of modems will have their benefits and detractors, but they also have an "either or" type relationship. If your computer is low on system resources like RAM or Processing speed, you may wish to use a hardware modem. If your computer is fast and you want soimeone quick performance, you might look at using a software modem.
If you are living outside of town or on what you are sure is an older phone system, you are far more likely to be in need of a hardware modem. If you are living inside of town on a good phone system, you may be better served by a software modem.
In cases where you have diagnosed line noise - static, clicking, or other sounds other than what you would determine to be a "normal" dial tone, you would be better served by a hardware modem. In cases where your phone lines are fine and your computer has plenty of RAM (more than recommended by the manufacturer) a software modem may be fine for you.
In cases where you are having trouble with your current software modem, you might try a hardware as it can adjust the connectivity more efficiently than your software modem. On the other hand, if you find your hardware modem is operating sluggishly, you might consider moving to a software modem.
Yeah, alot of IF-THEN - type scenarios. But if you have replaced the modem in your computer or are considering it, look at going with a Hardware over Software or vice versa. It may very well be phone line conditions causing your problems and not simply your Internet Service Provider. And yes, I am hungry!
What modems should I look for and avoid!
Here's a quick help for what brands to look for and avoid.
Look for: US Robotics, Xoom, 3Com
Avoid: Agere Systems, Creative, and Dynex - god awful.
When in doubt, ask your friendly neighborhood Computer Salesman - an actual store that specializes in computer sales, not a big box retailer. If they don't know the difference, enlighten them on the matter, and take your business elsewhere.
Best of luck to you and happy shopping!
IN the great sea of the internet, you have cargo ships, tankers, luxury liners, yachts, junk, and dingys. Amongst this huge ocean-faring traffic is the mighty dingy that is Dial-up Internet. Oh, the vast world of super information at your fingertips at an astounding 56k... Yeah, amongst the hours you would spend downloading one You Tube Video there are issues that can make your dial up experience seem like Interweb Hell. The trials and tribulations of Internet began with Dial-up and for many users, it is still the only option.
What is a modem?
A modem is a device that allows your computer to connect to the network providing your internet connection. This can travel your phone lines (dial-up), your cable connection (cable modem), your phone lines (DSL), or potentially a wireless connection -- uhh, its sorta like a modem, but can differ with different services.
Dial-up 56k Goodness
A Dial-up Modem is a component of your computer that allows you to connect to the internet via your phone. In most cases, it is a removable circuit board with a telephone jack. This device connect to your computer via USB, PCI, Mini PCI, or may be integrated into your computer. IN this case, we will be discussing the PCI modem, the evils of USB, the wonders of Mini PCI, and the unfortunate circumstances of integrated modems. SO, pull up your chair, grab a bowl of popcorn, and hang on for a magic carpet ride through the world of Dial-up Modems.
USB Modems: The Dark Side of Dial-up
Universal Serial Bus has to be one of my most favorite Serial Buses out there. What's not to like about it? It's Universal, It's Serial, and it's a bus. You have one type of connector (actually probably 8) that allows you to plug almost any type of device (like a USB Lava Lamp) into any USB port and immediately (sometimes after installing the drivers) have a connection. It's hot swappable (sometimes, if you go through the tedious process of stopping the device and then remove it) and it's catchy (so is chicken pox).
Well, we all agree USB is great and wonderful, but can I connect to dial-up with a USB. The answer is - "Yes, you can." But the reality is "No you probably won't." Why you probably won't is because USB Modems almost never work correctly. Even Apple's newest USB Modem is not immune to the horrors of Bad Modemship. Most USB Modems have almost no way to adjust settings and you are required to simply unplug and pug them back in to reset them. Yes, that's an easy fix, but lack of control ultimately leaves you with two modes of operation - "Not Working" and "Not Always Working."
The Idea of USB was to replace the aging technology that was previously Serial Modem. The reality of USB Modem is cheaply manufactured garbage, hawked by an unknowledgeable salesperson at a large unnamed Electronics firm. The vast majority of USB Modems I have run across spent their immediate career lining the bottom of a dumpster. Others went right back to that unnamed Electronic Store, granting its previous owner a generous portion of cash with which to purchase a reliable device.
My Advice: Stay away from USB Dial-Up Modems!
MiniPCI: A solution to an answer that was questioned about its minute stature.
PCI stands for "peripheral component interconnect" which is tech for "slot to plug stuff into." Now those of you who do not know what "Mini" stands for, it is a lazy person's way of abbreviating the $5 word - "miniature." (Why 5 letters were shaved off is beyond me. I don't write the rules about English. I didn't coin the word. Why are you grilling me?) Those of you who skipped this section and instead read the PCI section will know that PCI is a type of slot found on a computer's motherboard for connecting various devices to that computer. Devices such as...uhh, maybe a modem?
Since you gathered the mini part means it is a smaller version of the PCI, what on earth wold require a miniature computer component? Maybe a small form factor PC, a palmtop computer or a laptop. MiniPCI modems can be either software or hardware modems. One of the more common is the Lucent Winmodem and they can be bundled with Network Ethernet or Wireless connectivity to cut down on components. For the most part, changing one of these would only be an option if you had a laptop. If you are geeky to know about the adapters used to adapt this to a standard PCI slot,t hen you likely would not need to be reading this article.
Integrated Modems: A Series of Unfortunate Events
Integrated modems are usually found on lower priced desktop and laptops. They are often integrated into the sound card and can cause you much pain and misery. If you have one of these in your desktop, you often have to disable it via the CMOS settings. If you have one in your laptop, you might not have to disable it, but a failed modem could bring about the end of your computer.
I won't dabble too much in this area other than to say, desktops in this area may have additional PCI slots for you to upgrade. If they don't, I would suggest investing in a new computer, or at the very lest, building your own. In this case, you might consider a serial modem. If it has a PCMCIA slot, you can go that route. USB might work for you, but I wouldn't hold your breath.
On a laptop, your choice is go serial, go USB, or go PCMCIA. Most PCMCIA cards are hardware cards, so you may be in luck. I wouldn't bother with USB unless your other options have failed.
PCI Internal Modems: At last!
As stated earlier, PCI stands for "peripheral component interconnect." There are several different types of PCI to choose from, but for this article, we will stick to the regular old PCI Modems we have all grown to love. They're great. PCI Modems come in two flavors -- Software and Hardware.
A Software modem is a modem that basically just contains a phone jack and uses a piece of software to control the various modem functions. These functions include detecting and compensating for line conditions, sending and receiving data, and making that scratchy sound followed by the noise that sounds like a cat in a food processor. Because all of the functions are controlled by software, the card is fairly small and inexpensive. The vast majority of store-bought and namebrand desktops will contain a software modem.
A Hardware modem is a modem that contains all of the components to actually control all modem functions located on the modem itself. The modem simply has a driver to allow your operating system to utilize the modem functions. But all functions of the modem are maintained by the card, itself. Hardware modems also require far less system resources to function.
Hardware vs Software: The Eternal Struggle
Now both types of modems will have their benefits and detractors, but they also have an "either or" type relationship. If your computer is low on system resources like RAM or Processing speed, you may wish to use a hardware modem. If your computer is fast and you want soimeone quick performance, you might look at using a software modem.
If you are living outside of town or on what you are sure is an older phone system, you are far more likely to be in need of a hardware modem. If you are living inside of town on a good phone system, you may be better served by a software modem.
In cases where you have diagnosed line noise - static, clicking, or other sounds other than what you would determine to be a "normal" dial tone, you would be better served by a hardware modem. In cases where your phone lines are fine and your computer has plenty of RAM (more than recommended by the manufacturer) a software modem may be fine for you.
In cases where you are having trouble with your current software modem, you might try a hardware as it can adjust the connectivity more efficiently than your software modem. On the other hand, if you find your hardware modem is operating sluggishly, you might consider moving to a software modem.
Yeah, alot of IF-THEN - type scenarios. But if you have replaced the modem in your computer or are considering it, look at going with a Hardware over Software or vice versa. It may very well be phone line conditions causing your problems and not simply your Internet Service Provider. And yes, I am hungry!
What modems should I look for and avoid!
Here's a quick help for what brands to look for and avoid.
Look for: US Robotics, Xoom, 3Com
Avoid: Agere Systems, Creative, and Dynex - god awful.
When in doubt, ask your friendly neighborhood Computer Salesman - an actual store that specializes in computer sales, not a big box retailer. If they don't know the difference, enlighten them on the matter, and take your business elsewhere.
Best of luck to you and happy shopping!
Guide created: 10/23/07 (updated 01/01/09)
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