The cable modem connects you to the Internet, but does not give you faxing capabilities. If you don't want to keep the old modem but want to retain the ability to fax, you will have to investigate online faxing services. Cable modems, as well as the DSL variety, keep you connected to the Internet 24 hours a day, greatly increasing the chances that hackers will be able to find you. If you have more than one computer at home, start thinking about linking them into a network. That will give the other Internet users at home a shot at the high-speed connection.
Cable companies differ in the way they treat multiple-computer households.
Some cable outfits will allow several users in a networked home to be online simultaneously without charging more for the service. Most cable companies, though, while allowing several users to be connected to the modem, will provide access to the Internet to only one user at a time. Ask your cable company whether it will lower the installation charges if you outfit your computer with the network card yourself. If you install the network card, ask the cable company to provide you with the specifications the card has to have to work with its modem. And before that cable guy shows to set up the modem, back up your data files, your Favorites or Bookmarks, and your e-mail address book.