On 06-25-97 ROBERT OSBORNE wrote to RICK COLLINS... 
 
 RO> I recently saw a "Boca" Internal 28.8 K bps Data/Fax Modem for 
 RO> as low as $30 dollars after rebate.  How ever it stipulated 
 RO> Minimum System requirements: 486dx/33 processor, open 8-hint 
 RO> ISA slot, Windows 3.1 (MS DOS 6.2), 4 mb ram, 5 mb hard disk 
 RO> space.  Am I looking at a modem that would run on my 8 mh 
 RO> 286At or 386dx 33mh as long as I did not use their fax/data 
 RO> software and online software?.  Is this a workable solution or 
 RO> would this be a windows only modem and require the higher 
 RO> speed processor and ram to be able to get the thru put as 
 RO> questioned above? If I can not use it, then what would be an 
 RO> example of a modem specification that I could probably use and 
 RO> with these slower system? 
 
I really can't tell if it is a WinModem.  Usually that is specified 
on the box.  Assuming, and I _*DO*_ mean assuming that it isn't, the 
problem with the 286 processor trying to handle a 28.8 kbps, or 14.4 
kbps for that matter, is that the amount of information that is 
being dumped into the CPU is so great that it "swamps" the CPU and 
you will get unreliable data transfers.  If this is a Win/DOS 
FAX/Modem, then you will want to stick with the 386DX33 or better 
processor. 
 
 RO> Does the Class have anything to do with what the other system 
 RO> is using. IE do both the sending and receiving system have to 
 RO> be operating on the same Class I?  In the example of Boca 
 RO> modem they furnish the software. I saw no Class mentioned in 
 RO> the ad as to the modem's class.  Is this part of the modems 
 RO> chip set programming? 
 
I believe that the class that you mentioned here is how the 
FAX/Modem and software interact to give you the FAX image.  I 
believe that it has nothing to do with the FAX protocol(s) that are 
used to transmit and receive the picture. 
 
 RO> As the number goes up ie 2.0 does the capability advance. Ie 
 RO> is 2.0 the most advanced one available?  Is there any way to 
 RO> tell on a used modem that is fax capable what class it is and 
 RO> what kind of software will run on it other than writing the
 RO> manufacture? 
 
The best bet is to write the manufacturer.  I am sure that they will 
be happy to sell you the manuals that go with your FAX/Modem at a 
nominal charge. 
 
 RO> I take it that the fax rate is different from the modems 
 RO> straight data thru put rate?  Do you know of any good Fax 
 RO> Share ware that I can try? 
 
This statement is quite true.  The maximum data through put for a 
FAX is 14,400 bps (assuming a 14,400 bps or faster FAX/Modem).  The 
data through put for the data side of the modem is what is specified 
by the manufacturer, and now is up to 56kbps.  (Actually the usable 
speed for most applications is less than or equal to 28,800 bps do 
to the telephone system's telephone lines.  You might get up to 
33.6 kbps if you are and the system you are connecting with are 
real close to the telephone switching office.) 
 
You might want to check out Terminate.  It is one of those packages 
that covers FAX, data, QWK reader, and a whole host of other 
features.  Most people who have tried it like it. 
 
Ed 
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