The Advantages of an External Hardware Modem

Internet connection by dial-up is still the only access to the world wide web for many people. It also serves as a back-up for DSL and cable subscribers for whom uninterrupted internet access is essential. A dial-up connection to the ISP (Internet Service Provider) requires a device known as a modem. Basically, modems are divided into 2 categories--controller-less and controller-based. Both types may be internal or external and may even be incorporated onto the mother board.

Controller-less modems require the installation of drivers in order to function properly or at all. The term "drivers" is used to refer to the source code that works behind the scenes to make hardware devices such as modems work. Nowadays, drivers are provided on CD's that come with purchased peripherals. Controller-less modems are also known as win modems or soft modems because they're almost exclusively purchased by MS Windows users. Soft modems are always sold with the drivers required for functionality.

Some of them, depending on the model and manufacturer, have their drivers included in the user's Windows operating system. Win/soft modems are more economically manufactured as they lack some hardware components for which compensation is made in the provision of the drivers. However, this "provision" can and has proven to be a disadvantage in maintaining a stable Windows operating system.

Understandably, much of today's software has been dubbed "bloatware". In the 1980's, many drivers were stored on floppy diskettes which have a storage capacity of a little more than 1 MB. One of the worst problems with using bloatware is that it complicates the important task of maintaining the stability of an operating system. The installation and removal of today's bloatware has frustrated millions of computer users who've been forced to pay for the very expensive services of computer repair technicians and specialists. Unfortunately, few of these people understand enough about computers to avert as many problems as possible.

The use of an external modem offers some unique advantages for those who have a dial-up connection to the internet. A real hardware modem, also known as a controller-based modem, doesn't require any installation of drivers in order to function. Avoiding the installation of software whenever possible is one of many things PC users can do to reduce computer problems.

External hardware modems used to be made for a serial connection. Today's controller-based modems interface (connect) via a USB port. Zoom Technologies and USRobotics manufacture external hardware modems that usually sell for between $50.00 and $60.00 new. These devices, approximately 4 inches long and 2 inches wide, require only a tiny space and conveniently interface via a working USB port. The telephone line connects to the modem which is easily detected by virtually any major operating system in the world. Most hardware modems have 2 LED lights, one that indicates power and another that indicates the successful flow of data. In addition to the aforementioned advantages of an external hardware/controller-based modem, there's also the convenience of being able to serve more than one computer.

Due to the frequency with which people are experiencing down-time with their PC, many have decided to have a back-up. If an internal, soft modem is used on a computer that goes down, it can't simply be disconnected and transferred to a working PC. An external real hardware modem easily unplugs from a USB port of one computer to be just as easily connected to another PC via USB.

The advantage of a real hardware modem can be enjoyed by those who'll continue to have a dial-up connection to the internet.