The firm’s standard desktop PC at the time
had three 16-bit ISA expansion slots. The big problem: When a PC was
ordered with add-on peripherals that required more than three 16-bit
ISA expansion slots, no one was red-flagging the purchase order as
potentially troublesome. We couldn’t change the company standard
desktop PC, so we put together some checklists and internal
controls. In a matter of weeks, the procurement problem was history.
Although 16-bit ISA expansion slots are now
more of a historical curiosity, make sure your desktop PC, notebook
or server has sufficient space for the modem or modems you’re
planning to purchase. Here’s a quick rundown on common modem
interfaces and some potential hidden complications.
Note:
Be extra sure the modem you’re ordering has device
drivers for your desired operating system.
Internal 56K Modem
Relative Cost Indicator: $
Depending
on the modem type, you’ll probably need an available 32-bit PCI
expansion slot – or a 16-bit ISA expansion slot if the modem is
very dated. If you’re purchasing a new PC, check the specs or
contact the vendor for clarification. If the modem is for an
existing PC, the best way to check this out is simply by removing
the case of the computer and looking around.
However, external modems still generally
are much easier to install and troubleshoot. For details, see
Tip #21 earlier in this chapter.
Tip:
Aside from 32-bit performance advantages, a PCI modem makes
for much easier configuration than a comparable ISA
modem, because PCI devices can share certain internal
resources called IRQs or interrupts.
External 56K Modem (Serial Based)
Relative Cost Indicator: $-$$
If the modem requires a 9-pin or 25-pin serial
port, be sure your PC has one available. Because an increasing
number of entry-level desktop PCs only include a single serial port
(presumably to keep costs down), make sure you don’t have any
other devices that need a serial port, such as a digital camera,
serial printer or UPS.
Tip:
If you run into a bona fide serial-port shortage, you always
can purchase an aftermarket expansion card that will give
you one or more additional serial ports. I’ve used
products from both Digi (www.digi.com) and SIIG (www.siig.com).
External 56K Modem (USB Based)
Relative Cost Indicator: $-$$
If you choose a newer external modem that uses
a USB port, as opposed to a serial port, be sure your desired
operating system supports USB and that your PC has an
available USB port -- or that you purchase an appropriate USB
expansion hub.
Note:
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and was generally not
supported under Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4 (and
earlier), as well as early versions of Microsoft Windows 95.
PCMCIA, PC Card or CardBus (32) 56K Modem for Notebooks
Relative Cost Indicator: $$
Although there are ways to extend the use of
credit card-sized expansion cards to desktop PCs and servers, this
kind of modem largely is used for notebooks. In this scenario, make
sure you have one or more available PCMCIA Type II slots for the
modem.
Many major notebook manufacturers now include
built-in 56Kbps modems and 10/100Mbps Ethernet network adapters.
These are great features to get bundled into a notebook
purchase.
First, the implied price is usually an excellent
value.
Plus you get tons of soft cost benefits,
such as the kind we explored in Chapter 1 in the context of bundled
components.
Finally, your PCMCIA slots remain freed up for
future expansion, such as adding wireless networking capabilities.
Tip:
If you want to use a PCMCIA modem or network card without a
dongle or pigtail cable, which I highly recommend, be sure
to evaluate your network card and modem needs at the same
time. For instance, Intel’s Xircom Real Port product line
eliminates the need to worry about broken or lost dongle
cables. However, because the Real Port adapter takes up both
PCMCIA Type II slots in a typical notebook, you’ll likely
want to purchase one of Intel’s Xircom combo cards to
cover both LAN and modem connectivity needs.
56K Modem Action Items
What kinds of modems does your company
have?
Are you aware of the three different
kinds of modems that are available for desktop PCs (i.e. internal
modems, external serial-based modems and external USB-based
modems)?
Are you aware of the three different
kinds of modems that are available for notebooks (i.e. PCMCIA, PC
Card and CardBus modems)?
Have you had any problems in the past
ordering the wrong modem for desktop PCs and notebooks? How do you
assess operating system (OS) compatibility before purchasing a
modem?
When ordering a modem, do you first check
to make sure you have an available resource, such as a PCI
expansion slot, serial port or USB port?
Have you ever accidentally broken or lost a dongle cable for a
notebook modem, rendering the modem useless? Are you aware of the
dongle cable-free alternatives on the market?
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