In Windows-based systems, it is important to make sure that the port speed (the speed se...

In Windows-based systems, it is important to make sure that the port speed (the speed setup for the serial port to which the modem is connected) is the same as or higher than the speed capability of the modem. If it is not, then you will not be using the full-speed capability of the modem. This project enables you to check the modem port speed setup in Windows XP/Vista/7, Server 2003/Server 2003 R2, or Server 2008/Server 2008 R2. For this project, there should be an analog modem already installed in the computer. Also, before you start, check with your instructor to learn the maximum speed of the modem in the computer you are using. To check the modem port speed setup in Windows XP or Windows Server 2003/R2:

1. In Windows XP, click Start, click Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and click Phone and Modem Options. Or, in Windows Server 2003, click Start, point to Control Panel, and click Phone and Modem Options.

2. Click the Modems tab in the Phone and Modem Options dialog box. (Before this step, another dialog box may appear: “Location Information.” If it does, go ahead and respond.)

3. How many modems are installed in your computer and what models do they represent? Can you tell which port(s) the modem(s) are using? Make certain that a modem is selected.

4. Click the Properties button. (See Figure 8-10).

5. Click the Modem tab.

6. What is the value in the Maximum Port Speed box? Is it higher than the actual speed of the modem? (See Hands-On Projects 8-8 for more on this.) How can you change the port speed?

7. Click the Diagnostics tab. This is a handy tab to know about because you can use it to test the modem in case you are having communications problems.

8. Click Cancel to close the modem Properties dialog box. Click Cancel to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box. Close the Printers and Other Hardware window in Windows XP, or close Control Panel in Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003.

To check the modem port speed setup in Windows Vista/7 or Server 2008/R2:

1. In Windows Vista or Server 2008, click Start, click Control Panel, ensure you are in Classic View, and double-click Phone and Modem Options. Or, in Windows 7 or Server 2008/R2, click Start, click Control Panel, set View by to Large icons or Small icons, and click Phone and Modem.

2. Click the Modems tab in the Phone and Modem or Phone and Modem Options dialog box. (Before this step, another dialog box may appear: “Location Information.” If it does, go ahead and respond.)

3. How many modems are installed in your computer and what models do they represent? Can you tell which port(s) the modem(s) are using? Make certain that a modem is selected.

4. Click the Properties button. (See Figure 8-11).

5. Click the Modem tab in the Properties dialog box.

6. What is the value in the Maximum Port Speed box? Is it higher than the actual speed of the modem? How can you change the port speed?

7. Click the Diagnostics tab. This is a handy tab to know about because you can use it to test the modem in case you are having communications problems.

8. Click Cancel to close the modem Properties dialog box. Click Cancel to close the Phone and Modem or Phone and Modem Options dialog box. Close any other open windows.