99 lines
4.2 KiB
Plaintext
99 lines
4.2 KiB
Plaintext
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W H A T I S A M O D E M ?
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A modem is a device that allows a computer to communicate
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and transfer files with other computers over a telephone
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line. The word modem is an acronym. Modem stands for
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modulator-demodulator.
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When a modem sends data, it is acting as a digital to
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analog converter. That is, it takes data in digital form
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and converts it to sound (analog) to go over a telephone
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line. The modem on the receiving end acts as an analog to
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digital converter. It takes the sound (analog) it
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receives and translates it into data.
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If you want to have some fun, go to the largest super
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computer store that you can find. One with plenty of
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salespeople. Find a salesperson who looks eager. Tell him
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you are new to computers; however, a friend told you to
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get a modulator-demodulator for your computer. One
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salesperson will ask another and so on up the chain. If
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it gets to the top, you might be nice and give them a
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hint: "I believe he said it was also called a modem."
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WHY MODEM?
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The question is not, "Why modem?" but, "Why not Modem?"
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People are buying modems and learning how to use them for
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all kinds of reasons. Below are fifteen popular reasons
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to own and use a modem:
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1. Download 1000's of software programs from
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online services and BBSs.
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2. Use cheap electronic mail (e-mail) and thus
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avoid snail-mail (mail delivered by postmen).
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3. Exchange files and e-mail with your work
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computer.
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4. Get up to the minute weather, stock quotes,
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and sports information.
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5. Send faxes.
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6. Do research using the most up-to-date
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information from online databases.
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7. Earn a college degree.
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8. Work from your home and send your work to the
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computer at the office.
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9. Play online games and download the latest
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shareware programs.
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10. Do real detective work using electronic
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databases and "superbureaus."
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11. Join a "CHAT" board or global "chat forum."
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12. Subscribe to free electronic journals,
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newsletters, and access forums and
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newsgroups.
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13. Use your modem to connect to your county
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records.
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14. Connect to your local library using their
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"dial-up" service to search for books from
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the comfort of your own home. You can find
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out if the book you want is available or if
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it has been checked out. Many local libraries
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also have collections of CD-ROM databases
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like InfoTrak which can be accessed via
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modem. To find out about such services all
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you have to do is call your library and ask.
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15. Connect to the Library of Congress and
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do an online search.
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=======================================================
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This section is finished. Copyright (c) 1995 by
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Steven Woas. All rights reserved. Registered users of
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Modem Workshop receive "Steve's Essential Internet Tips"
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as a bonus.
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See OTHER PRODUCTS at the main menu for a description and
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pricing on these exciting products:
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Steve's Essential Internet Tips
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Detective Databases, 1995 edition
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Online Medical!
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Learning DOS for the Complete Novice, 2nd edition
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The Superhighwayman
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=======================================================
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