What is the purpose of a modem?

Answer by  mammakat (11147)

The modem is your connection point to the Internet, and for networking to other computers. It isn't sold with your computer, but usually provided by your Internet provider.

Answer by  sonicfoundation (2597)

A modem is a device that connects your computer to the internet by sending data back and forth through it. If you computer doesn't have a modem, it might be able to connect through wireless or by Ethernet.

Answer by  techguy (17)

A modem is most used to transfer data between your computer and other computers (most commonly on the Internet) using your phone line. Modems have a much slower data transfer rate than a Local Area Network (LAN), and these days (with prevalent high speed LAN connections) are not commonly needed.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

A modem is a device that allows you computer to communicate with a network. It basically directs and translates data back and forth between your computer and the servers online.

Answer by  quisqualis (1756)

The modem enables you to go online using the phone system. If your computer is a new model and has no modem, then the expectation is that you will buy one, after you determine what kind of Internet service you want to get. The kind of modem you need is determined by your ISP.

Answer by  jmrdflcarpenter (515)

A modem connects you to the internet and also allows your computer to send faxes. Modems used to be inside the computers as a 28.8 or 56k modem. Now the modems are external and are for cable internet.