Receive phone calls while using dial-up Internet connection?

Gazette Reader Larry K. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I use dial-up Internet, which is the *only* service available in my remote location.

I am on call at my work, and my son will be home from University soon. Is there software / hardware / or some type of service available which can alert me of an incoming phone call when I'm online? I really don't want to purchase another phone line. "

My response:

I remember seeing a piece of hardware advertised on TV which plugs into your phone line and alerts you of an incoming call. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the product [switchboard?] and I don't know how well it works, or if there are any restrictions.

When I used dial-up Internet (a while back), I used two separate phone lines: one for the computer and the other for voice calls. I really don't know of any other way around this problem... unless, of course, a Gazette Reader can point me in the right direction!

Update 2003/06/04: This article has been updated; click below to read:

Receive phone calls while using dial-up Internet connection?, Part 2

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