Apple Express Fax/Modem - Manual (Page 16)

On-line services
On-line services offer connection to data bases, bulletin boards, and a variety
of other services. Access software is provided at subscription time.
General communications applications
General communications applications allow simple terminal emulation, file
transfer, and remote connection. This type of software gives you the broadest
range of options, and allows you to take full control of your modem if you
decide to use the direct modem AT commands described in Appendix B.
If you want to use your modem for purposes beyond on-line services
for example to send a file from your computer to a friend’s computer, you
should acquire software compatible with the Macintosh Communications
Toolbox, such as MacTerminal. However, the Express Modem supports most
non-CTB compatible applications.
Some of the information in this guide may not apply to your particular
communications software. For in-depth information, see the user’s guide that
comes with the communications software you purchase.
. See also: Appendix A, “Communications Toolbox compatibility.”
Modem design
Communications capabilities are built into your modem, but you can’t use
them without installing the Express Modem and Fax software.
Once installed, the modem software and hardware work together as a team.
Many of the modem’s traditional functions, such as data compression, are
handled by the software.
With most commercially available modems, if you want to take advantage of
improved technology, you must buy new hardware. The advantage of having a
software modem is that you can easily upgrade your modem just as you
upgrade any other software. As such, you can obtain the latest improvements
by upgrading your software from a disk or server.
4 C H A P T E R O N E