-=> Quoting Ed Davis to David Dickson <=-
 ED> Since you've posted this here in the Home/Office echo, I'll assume
 ED> that you want to share a single phone line for business purposes, ie.
 ED> running a business from your home.  I strongly recommend not doing it
 ED> - it is very "unprofessional" and may give your clients a bad
 ED> impression.   
 
        You assume correctly.  I was not aware that these devices made the
        kind of noises that you mention.
 
 ED> The better alternative is to subscribe to "distinctive ring" or
 ED> "ident-a-ring" service through your local phone company.  Typically,
 ED> this is a $5 or $6 per month charge for an additional phone number
 ED> assigned to your current physical phone line.  Up to three numbers can
 ED> be assigned to a given line, and each rings differently, thus enabling
 ED> you to answer the phone differently or with a different device.  Thus,
 ED> one line can be your personal voice line, another a "business" line,
 ED> and a third a fax line. 
 
       I will check this out, it sounds like what I need at this point.  My
       fax machine supports distinctive ring so I will be okay on that.
 ED> In summary, either method will use a single physical phone line.  One
 ED> method will definitely require an additional device, the second MAY
 ED> require an additional device depending upon your needs.  The
 ED> distinctive ring service is more costly, but it also is more
 ED> professional and relieves you of some inconvenience. 
 ED> If you want some additional references, locate a copy of Home/Office
 ED> Computing.  Several ring directors are advertised in the back each
 ED> month. 
        Thanks for the reply Ed, this is exactly the kind of information
        I was looking for.  I am going to check out the distinctive ring
        service today.
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