PC hardware: Do I need a 56K modem?
Do I need a 56K modem?
by bagelred - 4/25/07 6:51 PMSo I use DSL broadband to access the internet. I use the ethernet cable.
So my question is...when I buy a new desktop computer, do I need to get a 56K modem? In other words, does the system need a modem for any other reason than accessing the internet? Or if I use broadband, is it just a waste of money?
Simple question...Thanks for help.
Simple answer
by anmor - 4/25/07 10:43 PM In reply to: Do I need a 56K modem? by bagelredNo you don't need a modem. You do need an ethernet card in the new computer, if it doesn't have an onboard ethernet, (most new boards do) you could either use the one out of the old computer or buy a new one.
Nope, but
by Willy - 4/26/07 5:30 AM In reply to: Do I need a 56K modem? by bagelredIf you don't use typical "dial-up" internet connection, then no modem is needed. Having one isn't going to cripple a ethernet connection either, 56k modem installed will just sit idle. Your DSL using an ethernet port is blind to any 56k modem installed. I say that, so if you get a new system with a 56k modem installed, just consider it an "unused" device. As for cost of a 56k, its under $30 typical under OEM pricing with new system.
tada -----Willy 
Still no modem if...
by Willy - 4/28/07 11:51 AM In reply to: Maybe! by msgaleAs long as you're on the www, services from efax and similar whether pay for or free do provide fax services, thus no modem. Even if you need the modem for pure fax needs, that means also some s/w and install procedure as well to be fax ready. -----Willy
Another use for a 56K modem
by cre68cam - 4/27/07 4:43 PM In reply to: Do I need a 56K modem? by bagelredAs msgale said, you would need a 56K modem to FAX. I don't send or receive faxes very often, but it is handy to have it available when I need it. Also, for the rare occasion that my DSL isn't working, or not available for whatever reason, I have downloaded a copy of the Juno free dial-up software so I can still access the Internet (it's not very speedy, but is better than no access at all! It requires sign-up and occasional use to keep your account active.) You would need a 56K modem for that as well.
Recording conversations
by Argotec - 4/27/07 6:54 PM In reply to: Do I need a 56K modem? by bagelredI use the modem card for dialing numbers when I want to record the conversation, Which I do when answering technical questions for later reference, for me it's worth having one just for that!
Good luck.
Good for Caller ID
by DougG - 4/27/07 7:33 PM In reply to: Do I need a 56K modem? by bagelredI use it so that the caller ID function of Windows Media Center shows up on my screen.
Another use for 56k - maybe
by MichieS - 4/28/07 10:55 AM In reply to: Do I need a 56K modem? by bagelredMy ISP (I am still on dialup yet) offers DSL service also. If you change to DSL, they include a 'backup' dialup feature, which cuts in if your DSL is not operatable. That way you can still be hooked up, until the DSL is fixed.
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