Free phone answering software - zap telemarketers!

[Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III]

I always like free geeky stuff. I came across PhoneTray, a free software program (the site also has another program, but it costs!) that you hook to your phone via your computer modem. It keeps a record of all calls, but has some nifty utilities that come in handy.

You can have it ZAP! Telemarketers with special messages and such and it's supposed to also send a tone that tells their computers to remove you from their list, but I haven't seen the documentation on this.

It will also let you assign a specific .wav file to any number, so your computer will play that file when that number is calling. Oh, you need a modem that is compatible with caller ID and you must have caller ID enabled on your phone line.

The program pops up a message on your computer showing the phone number calling as well as announcing the number. You can easily turn those off if you like.

I first assigned the Star Trek "RED ALERT!" sound to Rhonda's cell, but then made my own .wav file telling me it was Rhonda callling and to pick up the phone!

You can also set "quiet" times where the program will only let through certain calls and no others.

It also lets you play those "this number is no longer in service" or a few others to really confuse the bastards calling you!

I didn't have a modem in my computer, but found a cheap USB modem for about $30 bucks at Best Buy.

Geeks will love this!

[IE]

Come on dork!! This is so outdated. (But you still play with CB radios, so whatever). Between the law a few years ago (I haven't had a sales call since I signed up) and caller ID, and programable phones which let you put a particular ring to a particular number, well this is pretty much superceded already. But I guess dorks like you think this is real exciting. Have at it. Like you said, "geeks will love this'!

[Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III]

I have never played with CB radios in my life, thank you very much!! And in spite of signing up for the Do Not Call list, some idiots can't seem to read.

If you like the program, feel free to use it. If you don't, then don't. Why you feel the need to knock something so simple is really strange.

On second thought, it's not.

You're just fucked up. Gosh . . . I wonder what the program would do if you called. We can only wonder, can't we?

[Chicago Jake]

The times they are a-changin'. A few years ago, I was looking for some way to take an in coming phone call, even if my computer was connected to the internet via dial-up on the same line.

Now, I'm thinking of getting rid of that phone line, since my computer is connected via broadband, and all my calls are cellular!........Jake (who doesn't have a modem on his computer anymore, either)