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Step 1
Have a cell phone for conversations while the landline is in use. If you have a home voicemail service, record a message directing people to call your cell, or set the line to forward calls to the cell phone during the time you'll be online.
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Step 2
Use call forwarding on your dial-up line with a .v92 56k modem. According to Infopackets.com blogger Dennis Faas, a reader recommended this method: "v.92 modems come with the option to place the Internet connection 'on hold,' so that the user can take an incoming call. The catch is that the Internet service provider must also offer the v.92 service [and you need call waiting from your local phone company] in order for it to work."
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Step 3
Install phone alert software, programs that open a pop-up to warn of a missed or incoming call and can put the modem on hold so you can deal with the caller.
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Step 4
Install Skype so that you can speak over the Internet while surfing. Skype may have some problems over dial-up, but many users are able to have conversations. This will require the use of a headset.
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Step 5
Sign up for Yahoo! Voice. This service allows people to get a phone number for their computer and receive calls from all over the world. You can also make PC-to-PC calls in Yahoo! Messenger.
