Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate online courses about computer modems

Online courses are available for one brand of modem or for modems in general. Most online courses offer a diploma or certification at the end of the course. Although the certification might not mean much in the 'real world,' it's a nice take-away for the student.

I recommend: Visit Computer-Training.8m.com for online courses about computer modem products. Gatlin Education Services offers certification courses for internal modems.

Find books and CDs for computer modem products

Books and training CDs offer a unique training opportunity as it does not require payment for each user. Books and CDs can be used as many times as a company needs to use them. These training materials provide the user with a detailed wealth of information to review.

I recommend: Apex Web Media sells a variety of CDs for training in external modems. Read the ebook "Developer's Guide for Release" for training with 56k modems.

Locate computer modem hardware instructor-led training companies

Instructor-led training can take place in a training facility, college or at your place of business. These classes are conducted by trained professionals who provide hands-on education for their students. On-site training is the most expensive of all the training options, but if you need to train many people at one time it can be cost effective.

I recommend: Find a directory of instructor-led courses for computer modem hardware at Training-Classes.com. Visit Hands On Technology Transfer for industrial modem training at your business or at a scheduled seminar.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some computer modems manufacturers offer training for their clients. If you only deal with one or two brands of modems, contact the manufacturer and ask if they offer any training courses.

Guide to Buying and Using a Computer Modem

Bring the world to your PC or Mac with a speedy computer modem or cable modem

By Greg Brown

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buying the right computer modem for your connection

Dial-up Internet is quickly becoming part of the past as broadband rolls out across the United States. Faster DSL models are now more common, while cable modems are a popular alternative for cable TV customers.

I recommend: There is no "right" modem, but in general a DSL or cable modem will give you the high-speed Internet experience you expect. Well know modem makers include Unitech, D-Link, Motorola, Linksys, Zoom, HP and Cisco Systems. See computer modem choices at the Business.com directory on computer modems.

Understanding cable modem choices

If you order your Internet service from the cable company, you will be sent or have to buy a cable modem. Here, your options are an external modem, an internal modem or a set-top box (this last one always comes from the cable company).

I recommend: Installing an external model is relatively simple, it's almost plug-and-go and just sits on the desk next to your computer. Internal modems have to be installed and thus work on on desktop PCs. A set-top box presumes you will be surfing the Web through your TV, not a computer. A decent but not-too-complex explanation of cable modem choices is at Cable-Modems.net.

Understanding DSL modem choices

A DSL modem (sometimes called an ADSL modem) is the one you'll use if you buy broadband from the phone company. It plugs into a normal phone jack, then you telephone can still be plugged into it and work normally.

I recommend: DSL modems were once quite hard to use, even requiring a special line to the house. No more. With some minor installation, a DSL modem is up and running fast in a few minutes in most cases. Read up on the technical explanations at How Stuff Works.

The difference bewteen a modem and a router

In short, a modem turns the 'sound' of the Web into information for your PC to show. A router, meanwhile, is like a traffic cop -- allowing more than one computer to connect to the same modem, to printers, and to each other. Yet, some manufacturers combine the two into one device, for simplicity's sake.

I recommend: Do you need a router? For a single home computer, in most cases, no. But if you have a laptop that can pick up wireless signals, a wireless router connected to a modem at your broadband connection can free you from having to work next to the cable or phone line. Read more on routers and their uses.

For on-the-go Web, consider a wireless modem

Laptop computers come with a standard slot, usually on the side, called a PC card slot. Into that goes a wireless modem, a narrow metal card which, coupled with a paid account, will connect to the Web anywhere you can get a cellular signal.

I recommend: Not to be confused with Wi-Fi, a wireless modem will work just about anywhere. It's a little slower (although improving as cellular networks invest) but it works just fine for e-mail and moderate-speed Web surfing. Some vendors of wireless modem service including Verizon, Sprint and AT&T, or see more wireless modem vendors at Business.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cable or DSL? Often, the question is better phrased 'which company do you dislike least, the phone or cable company?' Seriously, service disruptions are bad news. Ask around about reliability.
• •  Hold out for a deal. Any broadband provider trying to earn you business should give you a modem and plenty of networking cables.
• •  Don't know a coax from a split line? Ask your provider rates on installation or call up Geek Squad for help. It isn't rocket science, but the initial set-up -- especially if want security like a firewall -- is a bit hairy.