Call Alert Notifications - Free Answering Machine Software for PCs

If you are using an online dial-up connection, you will probably want to download one of the free call waiting for software applications, such as Callwave or AOL Call Alert, which can answer recordings and forward incoming calls to your home, office, or cell phone. If you run a small business, Call Wave also offers a dedicated business fax service.

Call alerts are important if you live in a rural area or just don't have access to faster online connection speeds. If so, you might want to consider using these alerting services to avoid the cost of a second phone line, while you can decide when and how to respond to incoming phone messages.

Stay online and stop missing calls

The real benefit of an alert service is that you don't miss any important calls, especially if you have kids who are constantly online.

Another advantage is that you can hear who is calling while online, without having to answer the phone.

With alerting software on your computer, when a call comes in, you get a desktop alert window telling you when you get an incoming call. Think of this as an electronic telegram for phone calls. These alerts can also be customized. You can choose to receive an email alert with the caller's caller ID, so you don't have to worry about the alert windows. You can also configure this feature to notify you of incoming calls while you were online. This added feature gives you a list of received calls.

In addition to receiving call notifications to your email, alerting services give you the ability to send alerts to your mobile phone if enabled for text messaging.

Personally, I like the extra power of shielding incoming messages. I get alerts forwarded to my business email when I'm at the office and get a call from home. It is a really useful call service feature that shows the phone number, name, and time someone called.

Of course, you can also use the downloaded alert to block telemarketing calls. The free alert service automatically prompts you to remove your phone number from these seller's phone directories. This is a great free benefit of using these services.

Below is a summary of the main features of the alert:

• ANSWER: It allows you to take important calls while online.
• SEND A MESSAGE: Callers can leave you a message up to the set message length.
• NOTIFICATION AND DELIVERY OF MESSAGES: Receive alerts by email or mobile. You can even receive messages in your email.
• PRIVACY MANAGEMENT: Blocks telemarketers and lets you know who is calling, even if their caller ID is not available.
• GREETING FROM THE CALLER: You can personalize your outgoing message by recording your name or greeting.

How alerts work and how much they cost

There are 30-day free trials that I encourage you to try so you can decide whether or not you want these services. Thereafter, most call notification services cost around $ 5.95 per month with an additional charge of around $ 1.00 from local telephone companies for call forwarding.

The technology behind the alerts is actually quite simple, and these software applications work out of the box without the need to purchase or install additional hardware. You don't have to be a computer geek to run these services smoothly. Here is a simple overview:

1. First find a reputable internet service provider or ISP. I recommend downloading the Internet service from Netzero or Netscape.
2. If you already have an ISP, it's time to download the free alert software. This will take about 1 to 2 minutes. I recommend Call Wave, but you may also want to try the AOL Alert Service.
3. Restart your computer. The applications will automatically generate a welcome window.
4. Follow the simple prompts on the window to customize the software.

It really is that simple. So if you're tired of missed calls, it might be time to do some comparison to find the right alert service for you.