How can I phone from my computer, using an actual telephone?

Question

I have a computer with cable internet connection, as well as a telephone - but no phone line. I was wondering if there is any special software that would allow me to plug my telephone into my computer's jack, and use the phone. Any help?

Answer 1

There are actually many options when it comes to using a standard PSTN phone with PC and Internet.

In terms of Skype, D-Link has a USB adapter that plugs into your PC USB port; then just plug your Phone into Skype USB adapter and use PSTN phone with Skype.

Linksys also has USB Skype adapters models CIT-200 and CIT-300.

If you don't want to use a PC at all to make Skype calls, Linksys has the CIT-400 cordless Skype IP-Phone.

No PC is required at all to use.  Just plug into Router.  Skype is preloaded into the phone.

Then, there is the MagicJack which many people are talking about:  www.magicjack.com

There are numerous other USB VoIP phones too:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/c...

Answer 2

a few years back i use to use the program called dialpad it use to be free but i dont think its free anymore. and i dont think you need an actual phone just internet connection and a mic should be all you need. the only question for you is do you want to make free calls or pay for them. just do some searching around.

     your cable company that you have your internet thru should offer a discount service that you can plug your phone into your computer. If you want to go that route then just call your internet provider up and ask them. other wise all you will get is a program that you just use a mic with.

Answer 3

They also have adapters for regular phones that allow you to use Skype service with a regular phone.

Answer 4

I use my regular telephone through my cable service provider. In my area it's Optimum Online. When I added the phone service they came and swapped my modem for one that had a phone jack. Now I can use my cordless or any other phone I wish. Adding the service actually lowered my cable bill even with the addition of the phone service. They call it the  triple play package or something like that. I'm sure your cable service provider does the same. Good Luck.

Answer 5

I know you are aware of skype and maybe Windows Live Messenger, but I don't see the advantage of using your current telephone. You can buy many microphones for under ten dollars, and many services such as Vonage allow you to use a normal telephone adapted for VOIP that comes bundled with their services.

Answer 6

since you already know about skype, there is only one more I can think of that kinda comes close to what you looking for....is the MagicJack!

http://magicjack.com/site/index.html

no matter what kind you choose, you will need some kind of ATA or BOYD.....and then you can use a regular analog telephone!

The MagicJack is so far the cheapest...I use it with GrandCentral.com.....