V.92 or not?
V.92 is the latest modem standard. It includes the newest technology, is compatible with older systems and is being adopted by many ISPs. Any new modem you purchase should support this standard.
Why do you want V.92?

External or Internal?
An external modem goes outside your PC, easily plugs into a jack on the back of your PC through a cable, and has useful status lights. An internal modem plugs into a PCI or ISA slot inside your PC, is harder to install, but usually costs less.

On-board Controller?
The highest performance modems have a "Controller" on-board to process commands and to handle error correction and data compression. Modems without a Controller (sometimes called Win, or Windows modems) shift all this processing to your PC's processor. This reduces computer performance, especially for on-line gaming and multimedia applications. Flash Memory is one sure sign that a modem has a Controller.

On-board DSP?
Most PCs ship with "soft modems" which load all Digital Signal Processing and Controller processing onto the PC. This can seriously affect the performance of your modem and any other applications running while you are online. If your PC had a modem installed when you bought it and you're not satisfied with its performance, you should seriously consider replacing the modem. All Zoom modems have an on-board DSP.

Extra Features?
Fax lets you send and receive faxes with your PC, and Voice Mail lets you use your PC as a feature-rich telephone answering machine.

Lightning Protection?
Lightning is the number one cause of modem failure. To protect your modem you should select a modem like Zoom which incorporates patented circuitry for lightning protection..