Winmodem Question [Archive]

Chiles4

07-14-1999, 11:12 AM

I'm considering getting a Diamond SupraMax 56k V.90 PCI modem. From reading the description at Diamond, it's what they call a "Winmodem". I haven't heard alot of good things about these. I don't want to spend alot of my money as I'm putting together a system for my parents and this one is cheap. The machine it will run on has plenty of horsepower. Can anyone give me the lowdown on "winmodems"? Should they be avoided? Any expriences with this particular modem?
Thanks

Dominus

07-14-1999, 01:05 PM

Winmodems are modems that rely on the CPU and RAM of the computer they are in to run, and tend to use up more resources than other modems. They are essentially the opposite of "hard" modems, which already have all the components they need to work integrated. As the name implies, they only work in Windows (9X only? or 31 too?), so if you use DOS applications, DOS games, or Linux, then you're out of luck; the Winmodem wonl work.

When it comes down to it, Winmodems are good for the average user, as long as they are only used for Windows applications. They are relatively inexpensive, which nearly makes up for their lack of compatibility. But if you can spare it, I'd recommend a Hard Modem. I find them much easier to work with, and a lot more reliable. Plus, that gives you the option of converting to Linux later! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

As for Winmodem experience, I've got a closet full. Originally, I was using a USR x2 Winmodem Voice w/V.90 upgrade. Worked good, but it wouldn't connect any faster than 31200 bps. When I started working with Linux, I had to swap it for my sister's Cardinal 33.6 hard modem, which got the full 33.6 in both Windows & linux. Also, on another computer on the LAN, there was a Lucent Technologies Winmodem (KFlex/V.90) that would connect to the same ISP as the USR, but got 42000 bps. However, it disconnected every 15 min or so. I called up the ISP & they said that their system had some problems with LT modems, and they e-mailed me a different driver version that fixed that problem. About a month later however, I got an ADSL, so now all the modems afore mentioned are in the closet gathering dust in the resting place for worn-out and obsolete hardware.

[This message has been edited by Dominus (edited 07-14-99).]