Note: This document does not explain which modem you should buy. Rather, this document explains how to correctly selection an Apple modem in the Modem control panel (Mac OS 9) or Network pane of System Preferences (Mac OS X).
"modem" v. "modem script"
Before connecting to the Internet, you may choose a "modem" from the Modem menu. What you are actually choosing is not the modem -- it is already installed in your computer. What you are choosing is known as a "modem script," a piece of software that controls the way in which the Mac OS communicates with the modem that is connected to your computer.
First, use the following table to determine which modem script is correct for your computer.
Modem Scripts by Computer
| Modem Script Name |
Computers |
Description |
| Apple Internal 56K Modem (v.90) |
iBook - all models
iMac - all models
PowerBook G3 Series
PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard)
PowerBook (FireWire)
PowerBook G4 - all models
Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White)
Power Mac G4 - all models |
In the United States, this modem script allows communication at speeds up to the FCC maximum of 53 Kilobits per second (Kbps), depending on line condition and other factors. |
| Apple Internal 56K Modem (v.34) |
iBook - all models
iMac - all models
PowerBook G3 Series
PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard)
PowerBook (FireWire)
PowerBook G4 - all models
Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White)
Power Mac G4 - all models |
Choose this script when your telephone line condition or Internet service provider does not allow for a v.90 connection. |
Apple:GV 56K
Apple/GV 56K
Note: These two names are the same modem script. The punctuation of the name varies between Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. |
Power Macintosh G3 All-In-One
Power Macintosh G3 Desktop
Power Macintosh G3 Mini Tower |
This modem script is used for "beige" or "platinum" colored Power Macintosh G3 computers that have the Apple/Global Village internal modem. |
| PowerBook G3 Internal 56K |
PowerBook G3 |
In the United States, this modem script allows communication at speeds up to the FCC maximum of 53 Kilobits per second (Kbps), depending on line condition and other factors. |
| PowerBook G3 Int56 (v.34 Only) |
PowerBook G3 |
Choose this script when your telephone line condition or Internet service provider does not allow for a v.90 connection. |
Choosing the correct script
After determining your correct modem script, use these steps to choose it. Make sure to follow the steps for the version of Mac OS installed on your computer.
Mac OS 9
1. Choose Control Panels from the Apple menu, then Modem from the submenu.
2. Choose Internal Modem from the "Connect via" pop-up menu.
3. Choose the desired modem from the Modem pop-up menu.
4. Close the control panel.
5. If prompted, save your change.
Mac OS X versions 10.0 to 10.0.4
1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
2. Click Network.
3. Choose Internal Modem from the Configure menu.
4. If your computer contains an internal modem that does not appear in the Configure menu, choose Advanced from the Configure menu and reselect the Internal Modem.
5. Click the Modem tab.
6. Set the Modem menu to the desired modem.
7. Click Apply Now.
Mac OS X versions 10.1 and later
1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
2. Click Network.
3. Choose Internal Modem from the Show menu.
4. If your computer contains an internal modem that does not appear in the Show menu, choose Active Network Ports from the Show menu and reselect the Internal Modem.
5. Click the Modem tab.
6. Set the Modem menu to the desired modem.
7. Click Apply Now.
Third-party modems
If you have a modem not manufactured by Apple, use the modem script recommended or provided by the third-party manufacturer. Many third-party modem scripts are included with Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, so you may be able to choose a modem script without installing additional software.