Getting more info from your modem
There are a few ways you can do this. One is the logfile which the modem can record, if you check the "Record a logfile" box in the "configure modem" section (see above). The file is found in C:/Windows, and gives information about connections, strings sent, compression etc. In Windows95, it's called modemlog.txt In Windows98, it is found under the modem name used in the connection properties - this allows separate logfiles for different modems on the system.
Another is to use Hyperterminal. Select Hyperterminal from the menu (Install it first if you don't have it -it's on the win95/98 cd) and then Hyperterminal again. This will setup a new connection. Enter "Direct connection" for the name, pick any icon you like and press enter. Change "Connect Using" to the value that starts "COM"(port your modem is on), and accept this. On the next dialog change the speed to 115200 from 2400 and accept the settings.
You should then be able to type any AT commands and send them directly to the modem. The most useful ones are ati1 to ati7 and at&v and at&v1 (for Rockwell modems), and ati6 and ati11 for USR modems.
Once finished, you can close HyperTerminal, saving the connection if you like so that you can just choose "Direct connection" if you want to access the modem directly again.
It appears that in some newer versions of the firmware the information furnished by AT&V1 after connection is of little use. In this case more sensible results can be obtained by doing the test online. Open Hyperterminal while disconnected, and set up a connection to dial your ISP. Change "Connect Using" to the correct modem, and let it dial. Enter +++ at the login prompt. The modem should repond with OK. You can then type AT&V1. (There is a way of solving this problem; it involves searching the Registry for ATZ and replacing it with AT&F - but don't mess with the Registry unless you know what you're doing!)