How to use my computer as a second incoming phone line>?

Question

I am looking for a way to make my computer act like an answering machine. I want to be able to have anyone call from cell or landline to my computer which will have a phone number and then record messages. I can then return the calls on my regular phone. Any ideas?

Answer 1

There are two distinctly different ways to do it:

1.

Subscribe to a 2nd phone line and phone number with your current telco.

Install a Voice Modem in your PC.

Use PSTN interface software such as from NCH Swift Sound to record your calls coming in on the 2nd line:

http://www.nch.com.au/phone/index.html

2.

Use a VoIP service.

But, first you need high-speed Internet connection.

Then, subscribe to a VoIP service that that sells DID's (direct inbound dialing phone numbers).  Many of these services include free voice mail.  Then, just set your account to send all calls to voice mail.  You can access your voice mails on-line, or have them forwarded to you via email attachment.