Questions About 56K Modems

Because everything else in your system is faster than your modem, it is the critical path on your net access, and therefore not the place to over-economize. Your modem can make the difference between your time on the Internet being enjoyable, or endlessly frustrating.

Cape.Com uses US Robotics Courier V.Everything V.90/X2 modems, and this is an excellent choice.

Just like parts of a car, computer components do wear out. A modem can also wear out before the rest of the computer, especially if it is not a high-quality, well-known brand.

There are many other excellent brands of modems: here are some tips for selecting one:

• AVOID Winmodems:
  
  These modems have a HIGH likelihood of causing you trouble with your connection. New computers often include these because they are cheap; if you are buying a new computer, make sure that yours does not. For more information, see the link to "Beware Soft Modems" below.
  
  
• AVOID Rockwell, Flex, and V.90 modems which are Flex compatible:
  
  Because Cape.Com's modems are V.90/X2, there may be compatibility issues.
  
  
• AVOID cheap bargain basement modems:
  
  You will most likely experience setup-grief and wasted time. And probably you will not be able to get technical support or driver updates.
  
  
• STICK WITH popular name brand models:
  
  This will give you the best chance at support and future firmware upgrades. If you buy a "no-name" modem which has no online presence, you will have a hard time getting support or driver updates -- and you will almost certainly be sorry you didn't spend a little more to get a good name-brand modem with good online support.

For further help or information about a particular brand of modem, see link to "Modem Manufacturer" below.

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