MODERN MODEMS

If you access the Net by phone, check out modems that conform to the new V.92 standard. You'll connect 25% faster than with a 56K and improve data flow by up to 50%--plus they work with call waiting. Manufacturers include Actiontec Electronics (www.actiontec.com); U.S. Robotics (www.usr.com); and Diamond Multimedia (www.diamondmm.com).PLAYING CATCHUP

Need help monitoring updates for software applications and drivers--those little programs that control computer accessories? The Web-based CatchUp program scans for outdated software and offers links to sites where you can download the latest versions. (www.catchup.com).MORE TO SCAN

ScanSoft's OmniPage Pro 11 optical character recognition program lets you scan Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files and turn them into editable text. Until now, OCR programs didn't work with PDF files. (www.caere.com).