
          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 
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          =======================================================
