I have a 33.6k modem and I am thinking of getting a 56k modem. My only concern is that my PC won’t be able to handle the bytes I would be receiving (for games use mainly). I have a Pentium II 233mhz with 32MB RAM and a 3.2GB HD (with about 600MB free space). I have Windows 98 and my ISP is Optus and Telstra. My friend told me that it is the bytes you receive and your hard drives free space that matters. Is this true? If so, could my PC handle it? Thanks.

When your friend says that your PC won’t be able to handle the bytes you receive, I am assuming that he means your computer won’t be able to handle the speed of a 56k modem. Well good news. Your computer should be fine with a 56k modem. The only factor that could hinder a 56k modem running at full speed on your computer is your UART. A UART is the microchip which interfaces with all serial devices that are connected to your computer (ie. devices which plug into serial ports on your computer). Your computer looks pretty recent so it will more than likely have a 16550 UART which is the most recent UART and ok to run a 56k modem. Free space on your hard drive doesn’t matter except if you need to install additional software that may come with the 56k modem you buy (eg. fax software, answering machine software, etc…). Other than that, your computer could handle a 56k modem fine. However, before you buy one, make sure that you read the system requirements on the box, in case there are any special requirements to run that particular brand of modem.