1.   A modem can be fitted to your computer internally or attached externally via a serial port.

2.   A second serial port and a games port socket is supplied on a separate bracket.

3.   If your computer has a spare serial port, I generally recommend an external unit for two reasons.

4.   The back panel has two serial ports, a printer port, a games port and video socket - all clearly labelled.

5.   The only interfaces that are almost universally supplied as standard are the parallel port and the serial port.

6.   You can use the PANEL to set up the parameters of the serial port.

7.   Output from and input to the serial port can be controlled either by software or hardware.

8.   Although you can have more, most Intel-based computers are configured with up to four serial ports.

9.   An external modem, on the other hand, simply plugs into the serial port in the back of the PC.