Gerhard Nowak wrote:
>> Hi there,
>> Since 3 months I try to get any proggy and tried out everything starting
>> from Hyperterminal to make a phonecall on my laptop!
>> Its just not possible! It's amazing, how all related programs guide
>> into the wrong direction.
>> Please help, if there is anybody out there to do so. Maybe I got
>> something wrong, or else. I don`t know:
>> If I use hyperterminal of windows -- and all other proggies are
>> derived from this - I can call a party, of course; and I also hear the
>> voice, but there is never a conversation and I can never answer, I can
>> not even "lift" the phone of the hook!
>> What to do?
>> Thanks in advance,
>> Gerry
> I've never seen a program that will do what you are trying to do.
It *does* exist.
What would have to happen is the computers sound card would have to
> record your voice on the sound cards microphone, digitize it, and
> then play it back out the modem. To do that, you need a modem that
> shows up as a multimedia device under windows (most don't) and of
> course you also need software to actually do what I describe
> above. I have never seen such.
As you say, special hardware is required. It's called a 'voice/data' modem. a whole bunch of people used to sell 'em; I have no idea about the current market, not having used a dial-up modem in probably 5 years. ("always on" broadband does change your habits! :)
The 'bundled' software that came with such modems *did* provide the capabilities the OP is trying to use.
I've got an old Toshiba "Tecra" laptop (Windows 95) that has a voice/data modem, and came with full-blown "telephony" software. Not only can I use the built-in microphone/speakers as a "hands-free" telephone/speakerphone, It does automatic telephone answering, and even handles multiple voice-mail mailboxes. About the only "big system" feature it _doesn't_ have is a programmable IVR subsystem.
I still like my antique "Complete Answering Machine" (from 'The Complete PC') better though -- their mailbox access from the keyboard/screen is a truly superior design. Too bad they 'went under', years ago. Their voice/fax/modem card is one reason I still have a _286-based_ box running!