Ringpeas

I am getting an old Compac 266 PC from work for nowt, but it does not come with a modem. I will be running it down a standard NTL phone line with very light use only.
So what type of modem will I need? Is a 56K one the only one that will work, or can I get a faster one? Is it limited to the data transfer of the phone line?
Any advice please

Cheers

suba

all analogue modems is at 56k. you wont be connected at 56k, as that is the maximum speed it can go. for dial-up, thats your best options. to go faster it will be broadband or adsl or wireless.

Ringpeas

Cheers Suba

What should I be paying, and any good or bad makes?

suba

for lappy, you can use a PCMCIA card. it's like a credit card size and will fit into one of the slots on you lappy. i am sure if you put a posting for a PCMCIA modem, someone at the BBS got one spare for you for free!

Ringpeas

Thanks

Vonzack

Your Compaq PC should have a PCI slot available, go for an internal modem, you'll be able to pick one up for between £7 and £15 (probably fitted if you ask nice).

Your pretty safe nowadays with modem makes, so I wouldn't be too bothered about a reliable brand.

Also if your new to modems, when you connect it won't be running at 56K as this is dependant on who your connecting to and how clean the line is. You'll probably get a reliable 40K most of the time.

Cheers.

Ringpeas

Cheers Vonzack

Do freeserve still do a penny a minute pay as you go?

Had a hell of a job trying to get their software off my last PC though.

suba

ops... i just realise you got a desktop PC and not a laptop. you can either get a internet PCI modem or external modem. i had a external 56k modem but bin it when moved house i am sure someone else here would have one spare collecting dust and would love to get rid of it as well

Ringpeas

I can't see a USB port on this piece of computing history.

Not sure where I would plug an external modem anyway

May have to go the internal route anyway (or buy a decent PC)

Cheers

stevencotton

If you go for an internal modem make sure you don't get a "host assisted" or "winmodem", it probably won't work reliably (if at all) on your OEM hardware.

If you get an external get a serial version instead of USB and plug it into one of your serial ports.

Ringpeas

Thanks Steve

<rushes off to find a book on computer jargon for idiots>

Think I will take it to PC world (or whatever) and get them to sort it

<climbs back into tree and swings on tyre>

Paulo P

iTrader: (42)

I have an external modem pluged into the serial port of my dial up pc I can provide pictures if needed but it's really simple (has to be for me to understand )

Ringpeas

Our I.T. bloke has shown me where the serial port is, so now I should be sorted. (until I try to set it all up)

_Meridian_

iTrader: (1)

The best external modems are Diamond ones - if you can still find them. PC Pants was still selling them a few months ago. They're about £45 for an external one though.


M