Modem problems - would buying a new one help?

[WriggleJiggle]

We're currently with Tesco internet and use the speedtouch modem that came with the package. However, sometimes the the lights on it don't come on - i.e. I don't think it is connecting properly to the computer. I presume modems are easy to buy, but are they easy to install if I don't get another 'tesco provided one'?

Are you on a dial up connection ?

Ahh, I think I have identified the problem - I don't think the modem itself is broken as if I restart the computer it then works fine again.

I think that like the laptop sometimes decides to 'hibernate' or shut itself down when it hasn't been used for a few hours, I think the modem might be doing the same. I just don't know how to 'wake it up' or tell it not to go to sleep.

Does that make sense?