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wpis
Tl Posts:
1

USA		Posted - 7/17/2004 9:25:15 AM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message
Are USB modems better suited at handling multiple applications accessing multiple modems than Serial modems?
I noticed that WinFax has to list the modems as TAPI in order to share the modems with other applications.
If I set the modems in WinFax as “on” COM ports, WinFax won't allow other applications to access the modems.
Thanks, Tracey
Devildriver
Tl Posts:
6

Australia		Posted - 7/24/2004 9:52:30 PM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message  
Hey Tracey, a simple (Somewhat) answer and for a very good question. Do not buy an external USB modem. The reasoning for this is that they use up system resources, sure they may be more handy for less cables etc...but the throughput of a 56k modem is so small a USB 1.1 connection will make no difference and will be worse when it's eating into your system's memory/cpu/psu.
I can't help you with the Hardware VS Software modem debate, there is waaay too many conflicting arguments, and I don't believe there's a consistent way to test it, there most likely never will be. The best thing for this is to buy a modem you want (brand) and get a "hardware controlled" and equivalent "software conrolled" version (Of the same brand). *Example - "Fastmodem 1234 56k H *for hardware and Fastmodem 1234 56k S *For software". Then take them home, test both and which ever one performs better, take the lesser performing modem back to the store in good condition (box and cables, driver cd etc). Enjoy your connection.
Oh by the way, don't buy a serial modem, they will limit your performance slightly also, get an internal PCI modem. Enjoy.
Devildriver
Tl Posts:
6

Australia		Posted - 7/24/2004 9:52:34 PM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message  
Hey Tracey, a simple (Somewhat) answer and for a very good question. Do not buy an external USB modem. The reasoning for this is that they use up system resources, sure they may be more handy for less cables etc...but the throughput of a 56k modem is so small a USB 1.1 connection will make no difference and will be worse when it's eating into your system's memory/cpu/psu.
I can't help you with the Hardware VS Software modem debate, there is waaay too many conflicting arguments, and I don't believe there's a consistent way to test it, there most likely never will be. The best thing for this is to buy a modem you want (brand) and get a "hardware controlled" and equivalent "software conrolled" version (Of the same brand). *Example - "Fastmodem 1234 56k H *for hardware and Fastmodem 1234 56k S *For software". Then take them home, test both and which ever one performs better, take the lesser performing modem back to the store in good condition (box and cables, driver cd etc). Enjoy your connection.
Oh by the way, don't buy a serial modem, they will limit your performance slightly also, get an internal PCI modem. Enjoy.

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