Modem Drivers

A modem is hardware device that connects your PC or laptop via a dial-up connection or by high speed connection to the Internet.  A modems has two functions - it acts as a modulator by converting analog carrier signals to digital information; and second, it converts the digital information back into the analog carrier signal.

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Modems have been considered somewhat obsolete technology ever since high speed network-based Internet connections were introduced. However, modems remain widely used where high speed Internet connections are unavailable and for telephony services that include PC to PC calls, PC to phone calls, Telnet, and HyperTerminal.

A modem driver enables the computer operating system to recognize and interface with the hardware device installed on your PC or laptop. When it is working correctly, the modem can be used by both the operating system and the applications required for the modem to function.

Modems are integrated into your motherboard as a component of the chipset or installed into one of the expansion PCI slots on the motherboard. Modern computer systems already come bundled with on-board modems from their respective manufacturers.

Most modems do not require drivers to function properly. The protocols for its functions are already installed directly into the device. This type of program is classified as firmware. Although they may be considered firmware, the Windows operating system (e.g. Windows Vista or Windows® 7) require modem drivers in order to recognize and interact with the device. These modem drivers are files appended with the INF file extension, which holds information for Windows-TAPI routine.

How to Install a Modem Driver

Sometimes, modem drivers that come with the hardware component may not be compatible with the current operating system installed on the computer. In such cases, the best way to install the device into your system is to download the updated version of the modem drivers from the Internet. You should check the model of your chipset or its manufacturer before searching the Internet to download the exact drivers for it and the model of modem you have.

Download Modem Drivers

Updating Your Modem Driver

Known modem manufacturers that regularly post the latest updates of their modem drivers on the Internet include:

Major Modem Manufacturers
AMR
Apollo
BCM
HSF
IntelHaM
Lucent/Agere LT
Mars
Motorola
PCTel
Rockwell/Conexant HCF
Scorpio
Soft56

You need to update your modem driver by downloading them from the Internet when your modem device shows the following symptoms:

While most modem drivers are widely available, given their sheer number, you may wish to update you drivers using a driver utility program. These labour-saving applications will automatically update and install the correct drivers needed by your computer. This saves valuable time and takes the confusion out of you having to manually configure your system to resolve the problem with your PC or laptop.

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