Analog Services
A modem is standard equipment in every new computer—and with good reason. It's what most people use to connect to the Internet. Consider a computer without a modem, and you might as well buy a vacuum cleaner.
Today's modem is a world apart from those of only a few years ago, and the difference is speed. Nearly every new modem sold operates at a top speed of 56,000bps—fast enough that most people refuse to pay the higher charges demanded for faster-still all-digital services. Today's modems are fast enough for e-mail and most surfing. They falter only when you want an edge in playing online games, want to download streaming video, or want to exchange photos with relatives and friends.
Background
A true modem is a necessary evil ...
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