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Can Call Soft take messages while I am online?

No. If you are connected to the Internet on the same modem Call Soft is using, no messages can be taken.

What is the difference between Call Soft Pro and Call Soft?

Mailboxes, primarily. Most of Call Soft Pro's power lies in its multi-level mailbox scheme. Inside each mailbox you have a variety of options that makes Call Soft Pro even more powerful. Pro also uses SAPI 5, the latest and most powerful Microsoft speech interface. There are other features such as call scheduling, remote access options and a more robust phonebook.

Can Call Soft handle more than one line?

Yes. You can do this by running another instance of the program. It's important to follow the instructions found in multiple lines.

Can I use Call Soft with my DSL or cable modem?

No. As of this writing, we don't know of any DSL or cable modems that have voice capabilities. However, a voice modem will co-exist with your DSL or cable modem.

Can I use Call Soft with a voice over IP system (VoIP)

Yes. Most VoIP systems simply convert the VoIP signal to a standard analog signal that is compatible with the existing phone in your home. With most systems you will simply plug your voice modem into the back of the VoIP box just like a telephone.

I was able to use another voice mail system with my modem but not Call Soft.

Some other software vendors talk directly to the modem and bypass drivers and Windows all together. This is OK but has its drawbacks. One of the more serious ones is they may not be able to do this in future releases of Windows. Call Soft uses TAPI, a subsystem of Windows to talk to your modem. This method is preferred mainly because it will be supported in the future, and Call Soft is able to share your modem with other applications that may need it. However, the downside of TAPI is you MUST have the correct drivers installed. You must get these drivers from the modem's manufacture. If you're using XP, the native XP drivers are not going to work although XP may say they will. You can always get the drivers from the manufacturer's website. If you can't find the XP drivers try to install the Windows 2K drivers, see www.mycallsoft.com/callsoft/xp.html

What type of modem do I need and do you have any recommendations?

You need a special type of modem called a voice modem. This is simply a modem with a sound card built into it. About half of all modems these days have voice capabilities. However, just because you have a voice modem does not mean everything should work. Call Soft will work with most voice modems but there are a few bad apples out there that will cause you a tremendous amount of grief. Call Soft, and software like it, typically get blamed for problems that rightfully belong to the modem. A good voice modem will cost you between $20 and $80. Visit our modems page for a list of modems we recommend.

Does Call Soft support caller ID?

Yes. However, you must have a modem that supports caller ID and, of course, have caller ID service provided by your phone company. If you live outside the USA, you may have trouble if the modem can receive caller ID, Call Soft will be able to show it regardless of its format. If your wondering if your modem can handle caller ID, see the HyperTerminal test in the caller ID section.

Can I do anything special with caller ID?

Yes. You can add a caller to your phone book and optionally define a personal greeting for them. You can also assign them to a particular mailbox and specify a unique ring to answer on. See setting up a phonebook entry for more information.

Can Call Soft filter out, hang up on or make a Telemarketer think my number is disconnected?

Yes. You can do all the above and do it better than the popular Telezapper©. See how to deal with solicitors for more information.

Can I direct calls based on time of day?

Yes. See mailbox setup for more information.

Can Call Soft answer the phone on a different ring based on time?

Yes. See the Messages tab in setup.

Does Call Soft support sending and receiving faxes?

Yes.

Does Call Soft support fax back?

Yes. This is an option you specify in the mailbox properties setup.

Does Call Soft support distinctive ring?

Yes. However, its ability will depend on your modem and how you have your rings setup. See distinctive ring for more information.

Does Call Soft support any type of notification?

Yes. You can be notified of a call via E-mail, pager or phone. With E-mail you can optionally have the message sent via mp3 format. You can also have Call Soft call you immediately, at some number, and begin playing the message.

Can I forward my calls using Call Soft?

Yes. You can do this assuming you have three way calling. This is a feature you can order through your phone company. Click here for more information.

Can I check my messages from another phone?

Yes. Simply call your home, go to the mailbox you want to check your message in, and enter your access code.

Can I do other things remotely besides check my messages?

Yes. There are several other remote options like run a program, get your IP address, sound an alarm, etc...

Can I make Call Soft speak?

Yes. You can have your greetings spoken e.g. you simply type your greetings instead of recording them yourself. When someone calls you can, optionally, have the caller's name or number announced through your computers speakers. Speech is also used when retrieving your messages and other remote options. If you're using Windows XP, speech should already be working. If not turn it ON via the speech tab in setup. If you're using Windows 98, ME or 2000 you might have to download some speech files via our speech page.

Note: The quality of the speech is dependant on the voices you have installed on your system. Recently e.g. 2003 there have been a few voices you can buy that are so good. They sound almost human. See our speech page for some of them.

I use PC Anywhere to connect to my PC remotely. Will Call Soft prevent me from doing this?

No. Since Call Soft can share your modem with PC Anywhere, it's an issue of who answers the phone first. There is a remote feature that allows you to call your home and have Call Soft hang up and not attempt to reconnect for a few minutes. This gives you time to call back using PC Anywhere, but this time PC Anywhere on your PC will answer instead of Call Soft.