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Chapter 2 - Hardware and Software

Modems

To get onto the information highway, you need a computer, modem, and communication software. Communications through the Internet for on-line legal or factual research, or to access your computer system at the office, are available if your computer has an internal or external modem. Files can be sent or received through telephone contact with your computer. It’s perfect for sending briefs, motions, or any legal material you are working on to the office or to co-counsel.

Modem stands for "modulator-demodulator". Essentially, a modem changes information from a computer into electrical signals that can be transmitted over analog telephone lines. When a modem receives the information it changes it back into digital information that the computer understands. Modem is the device that converts between analog and digital signals. Modems are used to enable computers to communicate with each other across telephone lines. If both modems can transmit data to each other simultaneously, the modems are operating in full duplex mode; if only one modem can transmit at a time, the modems are operating in half duplex mode. Baud and bps are terms used to describe the speed at which a modem can transfer information.

Modems differ depending upon your connection. Connections can be through telephone lines, including POTS (plain old telephone system), ISDN lines, DSL lines, and cable lines among others. A different modem may be needed for each different type of connection. For example, DSL and cable modems are available for around $200.

A modem and communications software is needed to connect your computer to the office computer and the information highway.

By using the same technology for a cellular phone call, you can connect onto the Internet or access your office’s computer via a wireless modem. A cellular modem card can be inserted into the PC Card or PCMCIA slot of your laptop computer. A connecting cable plugs into your cellular phone and you can dial into a remote location such as your office’s computer, Internet and so forth.

Wireless modem.  By using the same technology for a cellular phone call, you can connect onto the Internet or access your office’s computer via a wireless modem.  A cellular modem card can be inserted into the PC Card or PCMCIA slot of your laptop computer.  A connecting cable plugs into your cellular phone or a wireless network system and you can dial into a remote location such as your office’s computer, Internet and so forth.  The performance is generally slower using cellular as opposed to a regular telephone line.  Many new wireless modems are available for your laptops. 
 

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