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Not all modems are
created equal!
Modems can be
classified into two basic types. One type is the hardware based
modem, which has many components built into the modem itself that
help with the various functions necessary in establishing and
maintaining a connection. Another type is commonly referred to as a
Winmodem, which is a software-based design that relies completely on
your computer's resources to function. The Winmodem is the type of
modem that many brand name computer manufactures (Gateway, IBM, HP,
CTX, & Compaq to name a few) have begun to include with their
computers to cut costs.
Winmodems were
designed to be used in optimal conditions, with very little or no
noise in the phone lines and in newer computer systems with a great
deal of excess CPU resources. Unfortunately, these optimal line
conditions usually exist only in cities. Most of the phone lines in
the areas that Water Valley Interchange serves are far from optimal
and cause problems for Winmodems. These problems
include slow connection speeds, random disconnections, and not being
able to connect at all.
LT Winmodems are designed to work on fast
computers. With new faster machines, these can work acceptably in our areas. US Robotics (USR) Winmodems and Rockwell HCF Winmodems are also acceptable, though not as good as LT Winmodems. Rockwell HCF modems may also be known as AClink Winmodems. The Winmodems we recommend you avoid are HSP modems and A-OPEN modems. They are not very well produced modems. We recommend a variety of modems to our
customers that perform well under typical line conditions. If you
have a Winmodem in your computer and experience connection
difficulties, your Winmodem is most likely the problem and should be
the first issue that you address to correct your problem. If your computer's manufacturer cannot provide you with a
hardware-based modem, you should consider contacting a local
computer shop to have the modem replaced. We have replaced many
Winmodems by customer request and in every case their connection
problems were corrected.
Water Valley
Interchange offers a hardware-based internal modem made by ActionTec
Electronics that we have found to be an excellent performer. We sell
it for $65 in the box or $75 installed. We will be happy to replace
your Winmodem with an ActionTec modem at no risk to you. If it does
not correct your connection problems we will gladly reinstall your
Winmodem and refund your purchase price in full. | 