Larger scanners bear a passing resemblance to photocopiers, though smaller 'hand-held' scanners, and even scanning 'pens' are now available. A Modem is a device which allows you to connect to a computer by means of a telephone line. Modem speeds are increasing, but remain inferior to full ethernet connections such as those found in college and University rooms. Older modems may run at 33.6 or 28.8Kbps. Ways to improve modem technology are under development.
Cable modems provide a much faster alternative to standard modems.
System Software Software is another name for computer programs - instructions which a computer carries out on request. A distinction can be made between system software and application software. The Operating System is the basic system software which allows you to run and control your computer, to carry out commands and run application software. Windows98 and Windows95 are the operating systems most commonly found on PCs, and they developed from Windows 3.1 and MS-DOS . Windows NT and windows 200 are another form of Microsoft Windows operating systems.