Receiving a landline call via a Windows PC

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heavenlywild

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#61529 18-May-2010 13:22

Hi guys,

I have a friend who would like to know whether there is any particular hardware / software that allows him to receive landline calls and notification of calls on his Windows PC. He is on Telecom and has broadband (if that helps).

The PC stays put in the house so not really needing a mobile or on-the-move solution.

Also, once calls are answered on PC he can then communicate via a headset - I think this would be the easy part.

Thanks in advance.

sbiddle

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#331344 18-May-2010 13:25

gehenna

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#331351 18-May-2010 13:29

Alternatively install a modem in the PC and plug it directly into the phone line, then use the included modem software to make and receive voice calls. If it doesn't come with anything there is surely some good modem software available.

heavenlywild

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#331407 18-May-2010 15:06

sbiddle: Sign up with a VoIP provider (take your pick) and use a standard SIP softphone with a headset.

Thanks for your help. Any particular SIP softphone you can identify?

heavenlywild

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#331409 18-May-2010 15:07

gehenna: Alternatively install a modem in the PC and plug it directly into the phone line, then use the included modem software to make and receive voice calls. If it doesn't come with anything there is surely some good modem software available.

Do you have any particular model software in mind?

Thanks guys, I am very much in the unknown in regards to this particular request my friend has asked me.

gehenna

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#331453 18-May-2010 16:40

It's been a fair few years since I've used a modem but you can probably pick up one from DSE or a local PC shop for around $25. Just go in and ask and you'll get some help. As I say most modems come with their own software which can include voice dialling/answephone/fax features.

ZollyMonsta

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#331455 18-May-2010 16:46

gehenna: It's been a fair few years since I've used a modem but you can probably pick up one from DSE or a local PC shop for around $25. Just go in and ask and you'll get some help. As I say most modems come with their own software which can include voice dialling/answephone/fax features.

Yep look for the wording 'voice modem'

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sbiddle

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#331594 18-May-2010 20:57

heavenlywild:
sbiddle: Sign up with a VoIP provider (take your pick) and use a standard SIP softphone with a headset.

Thanks for your help. Any particular SIP softphone you can identify?

Xlite, Counterpath Bria, CounterPath EyeBeam..There are literally a huge number out there because SIP is an open standard any anybody can write an applicaiton.

1eStar

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#331628 18-May-2010 22:12

Skype is also another possibility. All you'd probably need to purchase would be a microphone. And a skypein number. Skype is just a more common voip derivative, alot of other providers available too. If you have broadband already then purchasing a voice modem is a great leap backwards IMHO. Recommend you browse a few topics in the voip forum here on geekzone.

richms

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#331630 18-May-2010 22:17

Not seen a "voice modem" for ages now, so looking used on trademe would probably be the way to go if you want to keep them coming in via the analog line with the least effort.

Really sip and 2talk will be the easiest and cheapest way if the internet connection is ok and not being hammered.

Richard rich.ms

kfella2000

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#331682 18-May-2010 23:48

I would go with 2talk as well because as soon as you create an account you can download a softphone to use on your computer at the same time.

heavenlywild

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#333186 22-May-2010 01:05

Hey guys, thanks heaps for the valuable information. I have referred my friend to this thread and he is going with the Skype option :)

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sbiddle

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#333420 22-May-2010 23:18

heavenlywild: Hey guys, thanks heaps for the valuable information. I have referred my friend to this thread and he is going with the Skype option :)

Just be aware the downside of Skype is that you can't port your number in or out unlike all the other NZ based VoIP providers. Sky don't own their number range, just buy it off a 3rd party who get the numbers off somebody else.