Also, if you would rather the computer environment be a quiet environment, be sure to purchase good quality headphones so the sound can only be heard by the computer user. Make sure the card is SoundBlaster Pro compatible. With a modem, you can subscribe to a growing number of online services and bulletin board services. A fax modem has the added capability of being able to send and receive a fax from your computer. These are especially helpful for those people starting up a home-based business, or those people who do not normally have access to a fax machine.
Most new modems sold today are fax modems.
The higher the speed, the faster your modem is capable of sending data. If you want to have room to grow and have your modem perform well for a few years, splurge on a 28800. If you do decide on a 14400 fax modem, make sure it conforms to the V.32bis standard. If you decide to go with a 28800, make sure it conforms to the V.34 standard. Even though they usually cost a little more, an external modem is preferable to an internal one because of ease of setup, portability, resale, and easier problem-solving during operation.