Apple 8600 appendix Choosing and connecting a modem

Choosing and connecting a modem

A modem is a piece of equipment that turns the data from your computer into information that can be transmitted over telephone lines. The modem enables your computer to send and receive telephone calls, to connect to the Internet, to access online services, and to communicate with other computer users.

Some modems also allow you to transmit documents on your computer to fax machines as well as receive faxes as documents that you can view on screen or print.

Keep in mind that when your phone and a modem share a single phone line, you will not be able to use both at the same time, even if they are attached to separate phone jacks. While you use a modem, outside callers get a busy signal and you cannot call out. Conversely, when you use your phone, you cannot use the modem. (If you miss phone calls because you often use your modem, you may want to get a second phone line installed or get a phone company message service which, unlike an answering machine, will record messages even when your phone is off the hook or you are online.)

Also keep in mind that long-distance charges accrue when your modem dials long-distance numbers. In most cases, an online service or an Internet service provider will have a local access phone number so that long-distance charges do not apply.

Connecting Your Computer to a Telephone Line 45