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Top Ten Modem Utilities

Are you concerned about your modem's performance? These tools can help.

By Max Green, PCWorld   

A working modem that works a little faster--is that so much to ask? These popular freeware and shareware tools can help troubleshot your modem and make sure you get the throughput you expect. We've also included FileWorld's most popular utilities for receiving faxes, and an Internet voice program. To browse more titles, click the link to the right.

1. Modem Doctor for Windows 95: Give your modem a check-up with this diagnostic utility. The program tests ports and IRQs and performs connection and handshake tests. Shareware.

2. Modem Speed-Meter: This utility monitors the transaction speed of modems in real time and displays result graphically. Freeware.

3. NetMon: This applet sits in the Windows 95 system tray, collecting and storing data about the throughput of your Internet connection. Shareware.

4. Telephone ID Annunicator: Make the most of your telephone's Caller ID feature with this modem utility. When the phone rings, the program intercepts the Caller ID information and compares it to your directory of callers. If the incoming phone number matches a number in the directory, the program announces the caller. Shareware.

5. CkComIRQ: This diagnostic software lets you determine which hardware IRQ assignments are assigned to your serial ports. The software checks the actual IRQs and tests whether assignments are shared. Freeware.

6. WinModem: The big disadvantage to internal modems is that they lack status lights. WinModem monitors your internal modem and display its "lights" on your computer's screen. Freeware.

7. FaxModem Wizard: Use this DOS-based reporting tool to identify your COM ports and IRQs, and get that fax modem installed right. It runs under DOS, Windows 3.x, 95, and NT. Freeware.

8. ComSpy95: Monitor activities on your modem and capture the data flowing in and out. This utility is especially useful for confirming that your information is properly encoded before you send out credit card numbers. Shareware.

9. 32bit Fax: Replace Microsoft Fax for Windows 95 with a full-featured program that offers scheduling and bulk faxing. Dynamically view and edit cover pages, and import and export entries to your fax address book. Freeware.

10. FreeTel: Experience real-time, full-duplex voice communication via the Internet. Talk to friends and relatives around the world, without paying long-distance telephone charges. FreeTel includes full-duplex (including Sound Blaster 16) audio support, a real-time electronic phone directory, advanced caller ID, superior audio quality, and a keyboard communicator. Freeware.