A 56K modem is used to connect a phone line to your laptop and allow you to dial out to the Internet via your internet service provider. There are a few different types of 56K modems, they all do the same thing but they do look different, and the phone line connects to them differently. Here are some pictures to help you determine which type you have and how to connect to it.

The First Modem is a X Jack modem

The X Jack Modem is in the PCMCIA slot on the side of the notebook

Using your finger push lightly as in the photo a draw is going to come out of the Card as shown below.

Now you can connect your phone line that you provide from you Phone outlet on your wall directly to the modem. If done correctly you should have one side of the phone line connected directly to your wall outlet and the other side of the phone line connected directly to the modem card.

PCMCIA Modem with Dongle

The Second Type of Modem also is in the PCMCIA slot on the side of the notebook but has a cord that has to be connected to it. One side of the cable plugs directly into the Modem card. The other side direct into your phone outlet on the wall. No Phone Line is needed

Built In Modem

The Final type of Modem is a built in modem. This style modem is built directly into the notebook no PCMCIA card or slot is used.