User`s guide

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Exploring Your Options
Exchanging data with another computer
❖ An Internet Service Provider (ISP) or online service if you
plan to use the Internet
Determining the COM port
Your modem is connected to one of the computer’s COM
(communications) ports. The default setting for the modem is
COM2.
The following procedure is intended to support you if you need to
either upgrade your modem or reset the port to the default settings.
DEFINITION: Although the terms are often used
interchangeably, the serial port and COM port are really two
different things. The serial port is the physical port on the
back of the computer. The COM port is a unique identifier the
computer uses to communicate with the serial port or other
serial devices.
If you’re having trouble connecting through the modem, you may
need to determine the current COM port name and possibly
change it.
To find out which port your modem is connected to:
1 Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
Windows 2000 opens the Control Panel.
2 Double-click Phone and Modem Options.
Windows 2000 displays the Phone and Modem Options
Properties dialog box.
3 Click the Modems tab.
Your modem should be listed next to one of the computer’s
COM ports.
4 Make a note of the COM port number.