Input/Output DevicesIntroductionDevices that provide both input and output to the system unit are calledinput/output (I/O) devices. A modem is an I/O device as is acommunications local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)NIC.ModernsA modem is an electronic connection, usually via telephone, between yourcomputer and others. Modems exchange files and data with other computersvia local networks or telephone connections. Fax moderns link a fax machineto a modem for the direct transfer of an image to the originator. Modemscan be stand alone or board units. Stand alone units may be acoustic modemsin which a cradle holds a telephone headset and you dial the phone number ofthe computer system to establish a link or direct-connect modems that plugdirectly into a phone line. Board modems are built onto plug-in boards thatinsert into the expansion ports inside the system unit of the computer.Figure 3-13 shows three different types of modems.Figure 3-13. —Modems.3-27
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