Why do winmodems cause the system to stall temporarily?

[ProviaFan]

My modem has always done this, and I wonder why? Whenever I first start dialing onto the internet, if I'm playing a mp3, it will stutter for a second, and the mouse will freeze, no matter what I'm doing.. Anybody know why? And can it be fixed? TIA.

 

[bozo1]

That's exactly what Winmodems can cause your system to do. I don't know how fast your system is, but faster systems have fewer problems with them.

 

[HansXP]

That's the problem with Winmodems, they use CPU cycles instead of their own hardware for simple tasks. You MIGHT be able to fix it with a new driver, but otherwise, the only thing to do is to buy a better modem.

 

[nnnyyy]

Time to upgrade the CPU!

 

[macssuck]

Ive seen a PIII 850 do the same thing so I think the only fix is to buy a real modem.

 

[bozo1]

Regardless of how fast your system is, things occasionally will eat up 100% of your CPU cycles. When this happens, you'll get the stuttered sound, etc. However, the faster the system the less likely simple things like modem handshaking would cause it. Winmodems work fine for most people but they do have their drawbacks but the price is nice.

 

[Mday]

<< they use CPU cycles instead of their own hardware for simple tasks >>

what hardware? =P