Is modem needed in new computer project?

[chzlchp]

I'm gathering together all the scraps to make a new computer. You know...the standard case, mobo, CPU, etc., etc. Nowhere can I see where and if a 56K modem is embedded in any of the larger hardware pieces, or (since I run surf on DSL), I even need one. Nothing that I've read or Googled seems to feel that anyone 'out there' hasn't figured that one out on their own, but I haven't. (I kinda think I know. Even lifted up my Dell's skirt and checked underneath, and I guess that's where the phone line connections go into the back of the case-so that card must be the modem-even though there is a DSL box in the system). So, out of the millions who are a half a click ahead of me on this one...gimme a hint.

[TheJackal]

If there is a connection for an RJ11 telephone cable in the back of your Dell, then chances are that you have a modem in there. Seeing as how it is a Dell it could be that you have a proprietary modem; Probably in a CNR or AMR slot rather than a PCI slot.

If you are using DSL or Cable, then you really dont need a modem.

[Hi Ho]

I don't have a modem in either of my machines. I haven't for years.

[Mesaeus]

I have a small mountain of just about any type of internal modem lying around here, and they're ALL useless. Of my current clientele, just 2 out of 40 had a modem connection. One had no internet at all. Of the two modem users, I helped upgrade one to ADSL, the other one I'm currently trying to "convert" The rest is basically divided 70/30 in cable/adsl

[chzlchp]

Funny how, when you toss all the questions up in the air, they drift down, the dust settles, and lo-and-behold, there's the answer laying in the middle of it all. I DO have a 56K modem card in my Dell expansion slots, but it was abandoned when I installed DSL (had no idea what I was doing at the time, just followed the instructions). A separate DSL expansion card (this one is the10/100 ethernet card) is where the DSL box connected to my computer. A single phone line connection leaves my (kitchen wall) phone jack and goes *directly* to the DSL box (*that is, after routing thru the surge protector jacks*). Thus, is the ethernet (LAN) connection made directly from phone company to my computer, independent of my telephone.

BTW, my new ABIT NF7-S mobo has an ethernet jack as part of the 'home' connections, and thus I have no need to install a 56K modem for any reason (that I can think of...fax, maybe? ).

Hope that mighta cleared up any issues for anyone standing in the same square I was a few days ago.

[glc]

Your DSL is multiplexed over your phone line. It goes from the wall to your DSL modem to your computer through the Ethernet adapter. You can connect a dialup modem for backup connectivity (if the DSL goes out and you have an available dialup account) and faxing as long as you put a filter on the line to the dialup modem, like you did for your voice telephones. Some DSL modems have a "passthrough" jack for connecting a telephone - you can use this for the line to the dialup modem, it will require a filter. Otherwise, you can put a splitter at the wall jack, or at the output of the surge protector. Filter on the dialup modem side required in both cases.

[chzlchp]

Thanks for the amplification. That explains why Earthlink offered me 20 (or 10, or whatever it was) dial-up minutes per month. And why sometimes, when the DSL connection goes south, a default dialog box attempts to create a dial-up connection. Well, there you are. One more little pebble in the mighty tower of understanding. Appreciate the help. And the 'filter' explanation makes all the sense in the world. Had already installed one at each of my phones, and one remains unused in the bag. Now I know what it's for.

[glc]

Earthlink gives you 20 hours free dialup a month with their DSL package.

You need to go into your control panel, Internet options, connections - and set it to never dial a connection.