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I have a few simple questions about 56K modems. I haven't kept up with modems the past 2 years, so these questions may seem novice to you. <br />
<br />
I spoke with my internet provider, who says they have a 56K connection. According to him, I can connect at 42K-52K (depending on the quality of my phone line), IF I have the right modem. He suggested US Robotics, but then said any 56K modem would work. He told me that whatever modem I get, I'd have to download &quot;firmware&quot; from the internet to get these connection speeds. First of all, what is firmware??? And do all 56K modems have it available on their internet web site? <br />
<br />
He also mentioned getting a modem with PCI... I have no idea what that means. Any help there?<br />
<br />
Basically, all I want is to find a modem that is affordable and connects at 42-52K. I've seen several modems in the $60-$75 range, including Modem Blaster, and I'd like to know if I can make it work with a modem like that.<br />
<br />
If you can help me out and explain it so that I can understand it, you certainly deserve all the points! <br />
(By the way, I'm not computer illiterate by any means, just modem illiterate).
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I have a few simple questions about 56K modems. I haven't kept up with modems the past 2 years, so these questions may seem novice to you. 

I spoke with my internet provider, who says they have a 56K connection. According to him, I can connect at 42K-52K (depending on the quality of my phone line), IF I have the right modem. He suggested US Robotics, but then said any 56K modem would work. He told me that whatever modem I get, I'd have to download "firmware" from the internet to get these connection speeds. First of all, what is firmware??? And do all 56K modems have it available on their internet web site? 

He also mentioned getting a modem with PCI... I have no idea what that means. Any help there?

Basically, all I want is to find a modem that is affordable and connects at 42-52K. I've seen several modems in the $60-$75 range, including Modem Blaster, and I'd like to know if I can make it work with a modem like that.

If you can help me out and explain it so that I can understand it, you certainly deserve all the points! 
(By the way, I'm not computer illiterate by any means, just modem illiterate).

56K Modem basics

Networking hardware includes the physical devices facilitating the use of a computer network. Typically, networking hardware includes gateways, routers, network bridges, modems, wireless access points, networking cables, line drivers, switches, hubs, and repeaters. But it also includes hybrid network devices such as multilayer switches, protocol converters, bridge routers, proxy servers, firewalls, network address translators, multiplexers, network interface controllers, wireless network interface controllers, ISDN terminal adapters and other related hardware.