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Chapter 4
Type s of equipment
There are three types of equipment you can use to get online: a modem,
an ISDN line, and shared telecommunications equipment on your
network.
Modem:
A modem may be the most common way to connect a computer to
a phone line, particularly if you are using your computer at home. A
modem works with standard analog telephone lines. For more information
about modems, see the next section, “Choosing and Connecting a
Modem.”
ISDN line:
An Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) line is a special
digital phone line that is about four times faster than the fastest modem
used over a standard analog telephone line. However, an ISDN line
typically costs more than regular phone service and may not be available
in your community. For more information about ISDN, see “Connecting
to an ISDN Line” later in this chapter.
Shared telecommunications equipment on your network:
One of the advantages
of networks is that you can share equipment, such as printers and file
servers. If your computer is one of many linked together in a network,
there may also be shared communications equipment connected to your
network that will allow you (or anyone else on your network) to get
online. Contact your computer network administrator for more
information. You can also find general information about networks in
Chapter 5, “Connecting Your Computer to a Network.”