Modem Communications - Winbook XL User Manual

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MODEM COMMUNICATIONS

You can use the modem to connect to other computers with a modem, or to log into networks
that allow modem access. Your modem can be set to emulate a terminal for logging into remote
systems. It can also be used with log-in protocols to connect to certain providers and on-line
services (including those provided with Windows 95).
Your modem can be set to allow your computer to function as its own mini-BBS (bulletin board
system), enabling callers to log-in to your computer and exchange information.
The speed of your modem (e.g. 28,800 baud) represents the speed at which the modem is capable
of transmitting information. A modem with a speed of 28,800 baud means that the modem can
transmit 28,800 bits (not bytes) per second (bps). Your modem may be capable of faster speeds
of transmission from modem to computer. This does not affect the rate of communication
between modems, but, if both modems are capable of such compression, a connection can have a
higher effective speed if the sending system compresses the data as it is sent from the sending
computer to the sending modem and if the receiving system decompresses the data as it is sent
from the receiving modem to the receiving computer. Thus, it is possible to "connect" at higher
speeds. You should always try to connect at the highest rate of connection available to you. The
modems will negotiate the connection and establish the actual rate of transmission of information
(the key is the compatibility of the modems--the standards in this industry are fairly well-
established and thus compatibility is pretty much the norm).
To connect to anything with your modem, you will usually need to sign on with some provider
(unless you have log-in rights with some network already--e.g. at work) or dial-in to another
computer already set to receive such connections. On-line service providers will allow you to
connect to an extensive computer environment. You can use such providers to send and receive
email (electronic mail), chat with other computer users, look up information in their databases,
participate in electronic discussions with multiple parties, and even download software. The
major service providers usually charge a monthly fee for certain amounts of connection time.
Some services they provide may entail an additional charge. Since such electronic connections
are an important resource for computer users, Windows 95 comes with its own software for
making such connections, as well as with software from some of the major service providers.