Using the communications software on your computer, a modem also dials the number of another modem and establishes a communications link so information can be passed from computer to computer over a standard telephone line. Modems come with the capacity to transfer information at various speeds. But, they are no longer adequate for the growing amounts information that is passed from computer to computer. The 9600 baud and 14.4kbps modems are adequate for passing simple text, like e-mail, but are too slow for the large amount of information accessed by an Internet browser. The 33.6 baud modems are really the only modem of choice for your access to Internet.
Internal modems save space on the desktop but are more difficult to support via telephone.
It is usually easier to figure out what is happening on an external modem. External modems offer some other advantages as well. You can shut off an external modem independently of the computer, move the modem from one computer to another more easily, and carry the modem for use on the road. If you wish to go with a brand other than US Robotics, you may wish to consider buying the same brand that your ISP uses. This is because many modems connect more quickly and are more fully compatible with modems from the same manufacturer.