is it possible to make landline calls with a modem?

[prehensile]

is it possible to call people up with a modem by dialling any number, for example 0207 1234903 and then to have a conversation with a microphone and speakers?
is the only way to record phone audio by using a microphone?

thanks!

[TiG]

The concept you are talking about is VOIP (voice over IP) - and yes it is possible. I don't know any public domain software for modem users, i've got some trial stuff for work with one of the network operators, but obviously can't distribute that.

if you want reasonable quality recording a mic is the only way to go.

TiG

[Howard]

There's some nice software bundled with Windows called Phone Dialer...

It's not VOIP is it..? Isn't that when you use your broadband connection whilst connected to speak to people over the internet?

This guy just wants to use his PC as a plain old telephone receiver basically.

[Stoo]

yeah, you can do that, although it's a little pointless as you can just use a socket doubler and plug a proper phone in..