The most valuable advise I can give
to dial up users is: switch. Get DSL or Cable or Satellite. With
Windows XP and Vista the amount updates flowing to your computer for
Windows, Office, Adobe, and your security software can literally swamp
a dial up connection for days at a time. You turn off these updates at
your peril. Switch.
Making the phone and internet work together
Internet Dial Up connections use an existing phone line. A problem that
these users have is losing one connection to make the other. This page
discusses four solutions to this problem. You can answer phone calls
while still maintaining a dial-up Internet connection.
Method #1: a v.92 56k modem + Call Waiting
v.92 modems come with the option to place the Internet connection 'on
hold', so that the user can take an incoming call. The Internet Service
Provider must also offer the v.92 service and you need Call Waiting
from your local phone company. Cost: $25 ~ 50 for a decent v.92 modem + Call Waiting.
Shop for modem at
Nextag
or
Price Grabber
Method #2: a Hardware Switch Board
These devices split the phone signal into three separate lines,
computer, phone, and fax. There's no software needed and no
installation. Calls cannot last more than 20-30 seconds. Call Waiting
is required, from your local phone company. Cost: about $40 ~ $50.
or the
The Catch A Call Switchboard
Method #3: Call Answering / Managing service offered by a local phone company
The call is either answered by the telephone company's answering machine (Voice Mail)
or forwarded (via Call Forward) to another phone, such as a Cell Phone.
Cost: about $5 per month, depending on your local phone company.
Method #4: Internet-based Call Waiting Phone Alert Services.
Internet Call Waiting Phone Alert Services will display a Window and
show that there is an incoming call. Features vary, depending on
service provider. You are connected to the Internet via Dial-Up modem
(phone).There is an incoming call. The Caller's identity is collected and forwarded
to a central computer which is connected to the Internet.The central computer forwards Caller
ID to you via the Internet, and alerts you of an incoming call. Depending on the service provider,
a call can be answered, ignored, forwarded, or even sent a text-to-speech message on your behalf. All
services require Call Forward On Busy from your local phone company. Cost may vary from around $.75 to $1.50 a month.
Service Providers:
Call Wave
Or you could just spring for that second phone line.
