IBM Aptiva, Handbook

Page: 32 / 202

18 Chapter 2: Getting started with your Aptiva computer
Setting up communications
Some IBM Aptiva computers have a modem already
installed. If your computer has a modem, your computer
can communicate with other computers and telephones.
If your computer has a fax/data modem, your computer
can also communicate with fax machines.
Before your computer can use its modem, you must
complete two procedures:
•
Connect the modem to the telephone network
•
Configure your computer’s communications
software
Your communications software uses the Hayes AT
command set to send and receive data over telephone
lines. If you decide not to use a communications
software program, you can still use your modem. See
“About modems” on page 163 for information about
typing AT commands at your DOS prompt. If you need
more information about modems, see “How modems
work” on page 165.
Connecting your modem to the
telephone network
Modems are designed to operate over the public
switched telephone network (PSTN or PSN). This is an
analog network commonly used by most households
and businesses. Connect the modem to an analog
network only. If you are not sure about your telephone
line, contact your local telephone company.
Before you connect your modem to a telephone
network, read the safety notices in “Safety information”
on page xiii.
The telephone line your modem uses cannot be used for
any other purpose while the modem is operating. Any
interruption on the line your computer is using will stop
computer communications. You cannot pick up a
telephone on the same line your computer is using. You
must also disable any Call Waiting features on your
telephone service. Contact your local telephone
company for information about how to disable Call
Waiting. Your telephone company might have a dialing
Warning!
• Excessive voltages can occur on telephone lines,
especially during lightning storms. To avoid any
possible damage to sensitive electronic parts,
unplug the computer and the telephone cords
during such storms.
• Some businesses, schools, and buildings have
digital telephone systems, known as digital pri-
vate branch exchange (PBX) systems. These sys-
tems do not work with the modem. Connecting
your modem to a digital telephone system might
damage the modem.