Windows 8 In Depth

Analog Modem

Standard, tried-and-true dial-up modem service requires only a telephone line and a modem in your computer. Its downside is that it ties up a telephone line while you’re online. Furthermore, if you have call waiting, the “beep” that occurs when someone calls while you’re online can make the modem drop its connection. To avoid these hassles, many people order an additional phone line just for the modem, and this adds to the monthly expense.

The data transfer speed provided by dial-up service is adequate for general web surfing—that is, reading text and viewing pictures. That is, as long as the websites you visit were designed by people who understand the technology and made them usable at dial-up speeds. Dial-up is completely unsuitable ...