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cleigh

2 Posts

9237

November 10th, 2005 14:00

Voice/data/fax modem

I have a Dimension 3000 and discovered it doesn't have a voice modem - only a data/fax modem.  I want to upgrade my modem to a voice/fax modem, but I have a broadband internet connection and when I call Dell's sales department the reps keep trying to get me to purchase a modem for users with dial-up connections.  Is there an upgraded voice/fax modem available for users with broadband internet connections?  My old Compaq had a voice/fax modem so I was able to use it to answer my telephone and act as an answering machine in addition to sending/receiving faxes.  I want that capability again.  I can purchase software to do these things, but need a voice modem to do it.  Can Dell provide it with my broadband internet service?

uncle_niel

16 Posts

November 11th, 2005 00:00

Boradband (DSL or Cable) connections are connected to your computer via an external modem (provided by your ISP) either using the network interface card or the USB Cable, not your internal modem. DSL connections utilize your phone line to create a connection to the server, while cable connections use the lines of your cable TV.
 
At any rate, the people at Dell are correct, the type of modem you're looking for (and they're offering) is for dial-up connections only. Don't despair, though. If you really want to receive voice and fax messages on your computer, you can just buy the voice/fax/data modem from them (or any other vendor) and connect your phone line to it and use your fax/voice software like before - you don't have to connect to the internet through it.
 
Also, you may want to try an internet solution and subscribe to a service like jfax.com or efax.com which provides your own dedicated fax number so you can send faxes using a utility, and receive fax messages (and voice messages, too!) in your mail inbox.
 
Hope this helps. :smileyhappy:

Message Edited by uncle_niel on 11-10-2005 08:46 PM

cleigh

2 Posts

November 11th, 2005 11:00

Thank you very much for you input.  I had actually seen a software program called Ventafax, which I wanted to purchase, but they told me I had to have a voice modem in order for my computer to utilize their software to double as both an answering machine and fax machine, hence my original question.  I thank you again for your assistance.  It was very helpful.

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