I have aol and a compaq presario with a built in Rockwell HCF 56K Data Fax Modem running win 98 and I have an answering machine and telephone in between the wall and the modem line in the back of the computer... I don't need this phone or answering machine... Can I run the phone line directly from the modem in the back of the computer directly into the phone wall outlet? If I can, will it help a little in connecting speed? Or do I need to put my telephone in between so it can dial? or will it dial automatically my local access number if I just run the phone line from the wall directly to the modem plug in the back of the computer... If I can eliminate my answering machine and telephone and if I can run the phone line directly into the internal modem from the wall what happens if someone should call my number? Also, even though this Presario has a internal modem, can I purchase a better modem which is external to try to achieve a better connect time or must I use the internal modem that the presario came with.. My puter knowledge is zilch so sorry if these are stupid questions.

You can hook up the equipment any way that you want but it probably will not make any difference in your connection speed.

I'm not familiar with your model but most of the internal modems like yours can be removed or disabled allowing you to use whatever you want. As far as removing the phone and answering maching I'd say give it a try and see if your modem is any faster. Your modem doesn't need the phone to dial out as that is done by the modem itself. If someone calls your number while you're online they'll get a busy signal unless you have call waiting and it is not disabled. Disabling call waiting can usually be done when configuring your modem.

you have 3 things that may be potential problems in the future, compaq, aol and internal modem. thats a disaster waiting to happen. you can run the phone line directly into the modem, thats no problem. if someone rings you any other phone in the house will ring as normal.

AOL is a perfectly satisfactory ISP. Some folks just think it's "fashionable" to knock it. Success breeds jealousy!

Thanks for your replies. I went ahead and ran my phone line directly into the modem in the back of the computer from the wall outlet. Was able to sign on to aol as usual with no problems but honestly don't notice any difference in speed but at least I now know I can do it this way. Thank You all very much.

Put the cable to the modem and the answering machine into the other hole that says phone and you can have both. In answer to your second question get a new modem (full hardware) your modem is crap I know I have one on one of my ,puters. The newest drivers that I know of are ver 2.14