do i need an internal modem

I am in the process of buying a Desktop PC for my parents; just want to check if I need to buy an internal modem like a V92 data/fax modem - when I will be getting them Broadband connection.
The Broadband suppliers always supply a FREE modem (and a connection charge).
My question is do I need to get an internal modem or not? Seems a bit of a waste if it wont get used.
confused

Cheers

 

Most modems suppled by ISPs connect via USB or ethernet, nothing else anymore so it's unlikely you'll need one.

 

Ty for that.

Just adding things to order, like speakers, extra memory etc, and if I take out the Internal modem; I will save a bit of money which can be used on upgrading the keyboard.
Cheers

 

"... when I will be getting them Broadband connection.
The Broadband suppliers always supply a FREE modem (and a connection charge)."

Broadband says it all. This is a different type of modem from a V9x FAX/DATA modem, which works with a standard phone line. This is only used for (FAX and) Dial-Up.

Broadband (and ADSL) modems work with Ethernet cables (from modem to computer), which look similar to a phone line, but the connectors are larger. A NIC (Network Interface Card) is what you/they will require. The mobo of the system may have one "onboard", so check before you purchase.

 

Actually, Dan the free modems supplied by broadband suppliers in the Uk almost all only work with USB.

That said, ethernet is much better, which is why most folks buy their own broadband modem after a while.

Also if you need to connect more than one pc at some stage you will also need a router, these can, and usually are these days, be combined with the broadband modem.

Studio T

 

I am on VirginMedia Cable BroadBand in the UK. I have got a cable modem from them that connects to my PC via an ethernet cable.

 

Disagree with you StudioD, the majority of modems now are USB & Ethernet connection, because cable customers use the modem to connect to the router.

 

There has been some good advice offered in this thread and I wouldn't want to degrade it into a parade of those lucky enough or wise enough to have an ethernet capable modem.

As Dan points out this necessitates an ethernet connection in the pc as well.

Some facts recently released official figures say that just over 50% of UK households now have broadband. Around 85% have a telephone line. Around 15% have cable - there are huge areas of the country where cable is not available. People in remoter areas (I service some of these) find that broadband is often down, but the phone line is not. If they have a V92 modem as well they can still access the net/email etc albeit more slowly. Yesterday the area around junction 27 of the M5 suffered this, today I have reports from clients about 15 miles from there of similar problems.

There is a range of broadband provision, both in providers and services each one provides.

With most providers, the basic broadband at around £10 per month comes with a 'free' very basic USB modem. (Eclipse, Pipex, Tiscali, Talk talk....) Over the last year I have helped lots of clients install these as people often find they are not as easy to install as advertised. Certainly the Ethernet ones are much less trouble.

Most providers offer better services and better modems at increased cost. These include ethernet and wireless modem/routers which come free with the more expensive package. (BT, Orange....)

All I am suggesting is that Grumbles compares prices and options and that we are all, I hope, offering the best information available to us.


Studio T

 

If you have broadband an internal modem will likely never get used, except...

There are other services besides the internet. Faxes are one of them, broadband modems don't do it, dialup modems do.

I also run a BBS, which biases me towards having on. Having said that, I lika da blinky lights, which you get with external RS232 modems (which are equivalent to internal modems).

 

On reading this thread, it looks to me like there is too much room for confusion. Let's clarify some terms....

data/fax modem: allows a computer to communicate with other computers over a telephone line using an audio signal. Limited to 56Kbps in most cases, but does allow for transmission/reception of a fax. Internal modems are tidier; external ones just mean more wires, and some blinking lights to tell you what they're doing.

Cable/ADSL modem: As far as I know, they are always external, and are often supplied by the broadband service provider. They convert a broadband data connection to a form that can be dealt with by a network interface card (NIC). Strictly speaking, they are not modems but everybody calls them that.

Network interface card (NIC): Allows a computer to communicate with other computers using the TCP/IP data communication system. Almost always internal.

Maybe the above will help Grumbles figure out what he needs for his folks.