Modems transmit and receive data at different speeds. Modem speed is measured in bits per second or Bps. Miles per hour is to a car like bits per second is to a modem. It is a measure of how fast a modem can transmit and receive data.

Baud rate is another measure of a modem's ability to transmit and receive data. This is the amount of frequency changes per second. In older modems the baud rate is the same as bits per second. But this is no longer true with the newer modems.

Older modems start at 300 Bps. Speeds then progressed to 1,200, 2,400, and 9,600 Bps. The new high speed modems start at 14,400 Bps and progress through 28,800, 33,600 and 56,000 Bps. The faster the speed, the faster you can get things done.

How fast is fast? If your were receiving a 60 page document at 14,400 Bps, it would take approximately two minutes for your PC to receive the document. Bottom line, get the fastest modem you can afford.

Can a fast modem talk to a slower one? Absolutely! After a modem connects it will automatically adjust to the speed of the modem at the other end.