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#21
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Your modem selection is based upon many factors. But the
one based upon surges is not valid. Understood why the Belkin can even contribute to modem damage. The surge, shunted to close to computer onto all other wires, simply is given more potentially destructive paths to earth ground. Belkin can complete a destructive circuit path through modem even when computer and modem are powered off. Described is a surge protector that is useless because it does not shunt a surge to earth ground. In your case, Belkin would shunt the surge, destructively through modem - internal or external. Power on or off would not matter since the adjacent surge protector still would shunt a destructive surge to earth ground via that modem. Three reasons for using an external are 1) a modem that can quickly be moved to another system, 2) a modem that will work on any operating system, and 3) a computer CPU less than 200 Mhz. Other reasons, such as reliably, are not a function of internal verses external. Reliability is mostly a function of someone using cost controls to buy the modem. "@drian" wrote: Yes, I'm not basing my decision on a lightening strike alone! I do have the phone line going into a Belkin surge protector anyway. The main item for me is will I experience difficulties with an internal modem? But as I said somewhere else, I do like to see the status lights and being able to switch off and on the modem by hand... |
#22
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...2) a modem that will work
on any operating system Wouldn't an internal version work on any operating system, with it being PCI? Or do you mean you can take the modem and plug it into a Sun Blade and it works? Other reasons, such as reliably, are not a function of internal verses external. Reliability is mostly a function of someone using cost controls to buy the modem. Reliability or should I say compatibility is a factor, as some motherboards don't allow some internal modems to work correctly. I've read as such on past postings on newsgroups, in addition to experiencing this myself. I've never heard of an external modem via a COM port and serial cable not working. @drian. |
#23
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Hardware modems have the computer onboard. Winmodems
instead use the main CPU (and drivers in the Operating System). This makes Winmodems less expensive AND is why they must run on systems faster than 166 Mhz. Software modem requires drivers written for that operating system and not just a serial port interface driver. The only reason I have seen an internal modem fail is due to installation in violation of specs OR some clone motherboards. If having done hardware design, then timing conflicts and even metastable state problems are appreciated. Just because one PCI card works on the bus does not mean all will do so. PCI bus or PCI interface on card can have 'hairy edge' timing problems. These occur more frequently when price rather than value is why a modem is purchased. Those other modems cost more because they did more to avoid that 'hairy edge' problem. I have seen external modems not work right. But since then, external modems are no longer sold by those selling to 'cost control' mentalities. External modems cost more meaning that cost control mentalities and their manufacturers will flock to internal modems. Problem is not the internal modem. Problem is the top management of some manufacturers and their customers - best described as a bean counter mentality - who give internal modems a bad name because they don't buy or design using value. Avoid the cheap clone internals and you should have no internal modem problems. If a brand name internal modem does not work, then suspect a motherboard problem. Technology is that well proven. "@drian" wrote: ...2) a modem that will work on any operating system Wouldn't an internal version work on any operating system, with it being PCI? Or do you mean you can take the modem and plug it into a Sun Blade and it works? Other reasons, such as reliably, are not a function of internal verses external. Reliability is mostly a function of someone using cost controls to buy the modem. Reliability or should I say compatibility is a factor, as some motherboards don't allow some internal modems to work correctly. I've read as such on past postings on newsgroups, in addition to experiencing this myself. I've never heard of an external modem via a COM port and serial cable not working. |
#24
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Excuse my comment on surges as a comment in the selection of a modem. If
you have the outlets available, and the serial cable available, it would be most beneficial to purchase an external modem. You will have to sacrifice a serial port, but it will be well worth it. I do have to comment that the internal modems I have used in the past have worked well, except for the lucent technologies winmodem that I had to work with a bit to work. It was not alot of trouble to get working, just a few extra steps to get going. The external was a quite a bit easier to get going. Shall your endeavor help you greatly. |
#25
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Hi Adrian!
"@drian" wrote in message . .. Thanks for the link Rich. After reading it all, I don't feel I'm any better off knowledge-wise, as some people say it works (the internal version), some say they have problems. Looks like further research is required. @drian. Adrian, internal modems work just fine if you set them up properly. When I install an internal modem, I go into CMOS and Disable Com2. Modem is then usually installed by Plug n Play Setup on Com2, and uses either IRQ3 or IRQ4, I forget which. Sometimes it takes IRQ10 as does the modem I am now using. Regardless internal modems work fine and save desk space. |
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