A modem is an abbreviation of a “modulator and demodulator” A modem lets you connect your computer to internet through a standard telephone line. It enables you to transmit and receive electronically converted data. It is the key that unlocks the world of the Internet.

There are mainly three types of hardware modems. You can have an external or an internal modem or a PC modem card. The modem you choose should be depending upon how your computer is configured and your preferences on accessing internet. All three types of modems work the same way. However, each has its advantages and disadvantages.

1. External modem
This is the oldest and simplest type of modem. External modems have been in use for more them 3 decades. They are easy to install because you do not have to open the computer to fix it. External modems have their own power supply and connect with a cable to a computer's serial port. The telephone line plugs into a socket on the rear panel of the modem.

Key advantage of an external modem is that the external modems have their own power supply so you can turn off the modem to break an online connection quickly without powering down the computer. Another advantage of having a separate power supply is that it does not drain any power from the computer. You also can monitor your modem's connection activity by watching the status lights. The main disadvantage is that it is more expensive then internal modems.

2. Internal modem
As the name suggests, internal modems come installed in the computer you buy. Internal modems are integrated into the computer system (mostly in motherboard), therefore, do not need any special attention. Internal modems are activated when you run a dialer program to access internet and are turned off when you exit the program. This convenience is especially useful for new users. Internal modems usually cost less than external modems, but the price difference is usually small.
The major disadvantage with internal modems is their location. When you want to replace an internal modem you have to go inside the computer case to change it.

3. PC Card modem.
These modems are designed for portable computers. They are the size of a credit card and could be fitted into the PC Card slot on notebook and handheld computers. These modems are removable when the modem is not needed. Except for their size, PC Card modems are like a combination of external and internal modems.

These devices are plugged directly into an external slot in the portable computer, so no cable is required other than the telephone line connection. The cards are powered by the computer, which is fine unless the computer is battery operated. The only disadvantage is that running a PC Card modem while the portable computer is operating on battery power drastically decreases the life of your batteries.

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