56 k modem Question

[Steerpike]

I want to get a modem that lets you know when you have an incoming telephone call. I am confused as to the type of phone service I need for this: call waiting, call forwarding or 3 way. I have bad eyesight so when I try to read the fine print on the boxes at the computer stores it just does not make sense to me. Can anyone help this broken down old luddite. I believe I have a motorola v.92 56 k modem.

[pokerfan]

1. Call Waiting Modem

V.92 should do the trick. Check with your ISP to see if it's supported.

No DSL in your neck of the woods?

[Steerpike]

2. Ye there is a variety of options.

But,I find myself financially embarrassed at this time. So, I need call waiting to use this function?

[pokerfan]

5. Yeah, you will need to enable call waiting

and be sure to contact your internet service provider to make sure they even offer the service.

And compare the total cost with DSL. I'm paying $29.99 for DSL which includes my phone service.

No reason to feel embarrassed for pinching the spare penny or two. It's something we should all do.

[LydiaJ]

3. I have a Q that's somewhat germaine to the subject...

but really dumb....(so please forgive me :-))

What is the difference between DSL, Broadband and Wireless? I live in an area that is covered by a small independent telephone company and their DSL(I think it's DSL-cable, right?) does not come this far up my road.

I once tried to get DSL from Time Warner but they said they could only give me cable tv, no phone or DSL because I'm in this other phone company's service area. :grr: The point of all this is that I want to know if broadband/wireless might be a solution. Thanks for any clarification you might give.

PS-Sorry to whoever started this thread; I promise I won't butt in with a dumb Q again.

[Steerpike]

4. No Problem!

And even if I had the money to get a faster connection I would probably donate to DU so I could post this in the appropriate forum!
I think DSL goes through your phone line. Cable Modem goes through your cable. Broadband is a euphemism for a high speed connections. I think...

[AllegroRondo]

8. you are correct!

DSL = phone lines
Cable = cable
Broadband = anything faster than dial-up

[RebelOne]

6. I have AOL with call alert. You only need call waiting.

[Steerpike]

7. Thank you for the reply.

I do have netzero which is 10 dollars monthly and does have the call waiting function.