What does a modem do to enable a computer to connect to the internet?

The function of a modem is crucial for enabling a computer to connect to the internet. Specifically, a modem converts digital data from the computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over telephone lines or coaxial cables. This conversion is essential because many traditional communication systems, including those used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), are designed to handle analog signals. By transforming digital data into analog, the modem facilitates communication between the digital environment of a computer and the analog infrastructure of the internet.

In addition to this primary function, a modem also works in reverse, converting incoming analog signals back into digital data that the computer can understand. This bidirectional capability allows for a seamless exchange of information between the user and the internet, which is vital for activities such as browsing websites, downloading files, or streaming content.

Understanding the role of the modem helps clarify why the other options do not accurately describe its function. For instance, while it may play a part in managing security, that is primarily the role of firewalls and other security software rather than the modem itself. Similarly, storing data from the internet and maintaining the local network are functions associated with other devices, like routers and servers, rather than the modem's primary purpose.