As you probably know, I've played with modems and communications equipment for quite a long time. Mostly I've worked in professional settings with modems, using them mainly to relay engineering or scientific data from one location to another. In the mid 1980's, home computer users started purchasing modems and using them to call local Bulletin Boards. During the last few years, a phenomenal number of people have started using modems to call Internet Service Providers. Many of you are using modems for the first time.
Modems are more popular and used more than ever before.
However, unlike other computer items that you can finds volumes of information on nice shelves at the local bookstore, there actually seems to be less and less information available to you. Most folks are unfamiliar with the inner workings of their computer and installing a modem can be a real challenge. An automated setup that works is a sweet and wonderful thing to behold. Explained For the moment, lets assume you are using an external modem. Although internals and externals use the same hardware I describe below, it makes more sense to discuss these as two separate items.