Serial Input and Output. This chapter deals with installing, configuring, and using computer serial ports. Because the use of modems is the most common use of COM ports, the majority of this chapter deals with modems and the types of problems you may encounter when using them. We also deal with the problems associated with phone lines and connecting modems. We round out the chapter with alternate ways of engaging serial communications. Part VI: Maintaining Your PC Wraps up the concept of avoiding troubleshooting with a proactive approach to building barriers to problems and maintaining the ability to respond more quickly to the inevitable challenges that you may face at one time or another.