If you have a 14.4 modem set your baud rate to 19200 initially. If you have a 28.8 modem set your baud rate to 57600 initially. If you have a 33.6 or 56k modem set your baud rate to 115200 initially. You may need to drop the baud rate later, to improve your connection if data doesn't seem to be transferring.

Once you have installed all the modem details, you will need to return to the main menu to complete the network configuration details and select the COM port that the modem is located on.

Generally, internal modems run on COM port 3 or 4, but this isn't always the rule. You can, of course, try either of these ports. Whichever one allows your modem to dial out is the correct port.

If you cannot find the details, you may need to consult the supplier of the computer, but you can verify that there actually is a modem in the computer, if you are not sure. Do this by looking at the rear panel, where all the wires come out and look for two little square sockets with a picture of a telephone next to them. The one marked 'line' needs to be plugged into the telephone socket on the wall, using a modem cable.

If you have an external modem you should be able to look at it and see what make and speed it is on the casing. The information you need may be on the top of the modem or underneath, together with the serial number. The number you are looking for will be something like this, 14.4k or 14,400 or 28.8k or 28,800, 33.6k or 33,600 or 56k or 56,000.

Now insert the number of the COM port your modem is connected to, in the COM port box and the baud rate in the baud rate box. Internal modems are generally on COM port 1 or 2 and external, on 3 or 4.

Modems can be on any port, up to number 4 so if you are having difficulty so it is worth trying all four port settings.

On the whole, Windows 3.1 is adequate for use with the internet, but at i12 we would recommend connecting to the internet using a newer operating system such as Windows 98 for a faster and more enjoyable experience.