"Windows" Modems/Winmodems
What Are They?
These are modems which have had some of the hardware used on a regular
modem taken off and replaced with software drivers. Thus some of the
computing that used to be done by the modem itself is shifted to the
computer.
Pros
- Since some of the expensive hardware was removed, it costs less
than regular modems.
- Since part of the hardware is now software, it makes them slightly
more upgradable.
Cons
- Needs a different versions of the software dependent on the
operating system used.
- Not all operating systems are supported, including DOS... which
includes DOS-based games.
- Increases load on the computer's CPU (roughly 5-10% on a Pentium
133).
- When the CPU is under heavy usage, connection problems and slow
connections will result.