GENWiki

        W H A T   I S   A   M O D E M ?
        
        A modem is a device that allows a computer to communicate
        and transfer files with other computers over a telephone
        line. The word modem is an acronym. Modem stands for
        modulator-demodulator.  
        
        When a modem sends data, it is acting as a digital to
        analog converter. That is, it takes data in digital form
        and converts it to sound (analog) to go over a telephone
        line. The modem on the receiving end acts as an analog to
        digital converter. It takes the sound (analog) it
        receives and translates it into data. 
        
        If you want to have some fun, go to the largest super
        computer store that you can find. One with plenty of
        salespeople. Find a salesperson who looks eager. Tell him
        you are new to computers; however, a friend told you to
        get a modulator-demodulator for your computer. One
        salesperson will ask another and so on up the chain. If
        it gets to the top, you might be nice and give them a
        hint: "I believe he said it was also called a modem." 
        
        
        WHY MODEM?
        
        The question is not, "Why modem?" but, "Why not Modem?"
        People are buying modems and learning how to use them for
        all kinds of reasons. Below are fifteen popular reasons
        to own and use a modem:
        
            1.  Download 1000's of software programs from
                online services and BBSs.
         
            2.  Use cheap electronic mail (e-mail) and thus
                avoid snail-mail (mail delivered by postmen).
        
            3.  Exchange files and e-mail with your work
                computer.
        
            4.  Get up to the minute weather, stock quotes,
                and sports information.
        
            5.  Send faxes.
        
            6.  Do research using the most up-to-date
                information from online databases.
        
            7.  Earn a college degree.
        
            8.  Work from your home and send your work to the
                computer at the office.
        
            9.  Play online games and download the latest
                shareware programs.
        
            10. Do real detective work using electronic
                databases and "superbureaus."
        
            11. Join a "CHAT" board or global "chat forum."
        
            12. Subscribe to free electronic journals,
                newsletters, and access forums and
                newsgroups.
        
            13. Use your modem to connect to your county
                records.
        
            14. Connect to your local library using their
                "dial-up" service to search for books from
                the comfort of your own home. You can find
                out if the book you want is available or if
                it has been checked out. Many local libraries
                also have collections of CD-ROM databases
                like InfoTrak which can be accessed via
                modem. To find out about such services all
                you have to do is call your library and ask.

            15. Connect to the Library of Congress and
                do an online search.

        =======================================================
        This section is finished. Copyright (c) 1995 by
        Steven Woas. All rights reserved. Registered users of
        Modem Workshop receive "Steve's Essential Internet Tips"
        as a bonus.
        
        See OTHER PRODUCTS at the main menu for a description and
        pricing on these exciting products: 
        
        Steve's Essential Internet Tips
        Detective Databases, 1995 edition
        Online Medical! 
        Learning DOS for the Complete Novice, 2nd edition 
        The Superhighwayman
        =======================================================