How can I connect a standard telephone to my (new) laptop to use softphone until I buy a handset -thanks?

Question

Brand new Toshiba Laptop
BT Broadband 2 connection
Softphone Downloaded

Answer 1

You don't

Softphone is designed to make your computer behave like a phone. It uses the mic and speakers of the computer or the mic and speaker sockets, or these can be connected via an adaptor to the USB.

A standard telephone needs the 50V DC on the line to work and needs to provide the phone type signals normally provided by your telephone exchange, your laptop cannot drive a standard phone,

Answer 2

If you have BT broadband I take it you took the talk service. You should be able to plug a normal phone in to that initially then once you get a headset you can use the softphone to make the calls.

If you don't have a headset their may be some alternatives, you can use microphone and headphones or if you have a bluetooth headset for a mobile you may be able to use that if you have bluetoth on the laptop

Answer 3

oops, Toshiba, bad choice of laptop. Cheap n' nasties!