A USB phone adapter is a device that allows for the direct connection of your phone to the computer so that you may access Skype and other online calls on the regular home telephone. The connection of an USB phone adapter does not impair the regular functions of your phone because you will continue to use the landlines as normally as before. The Internet calling mode can be accessed by a manual switch on the phone, followed by computer or phone dialing of the number. The phone will also ring for both Internet and land calls, and you will be using the device in much the same way regardless if the signal is sent via computer or by the regular landlines.

How does the USB phone adapter function? The adapter merely ads a new mode to the phone without any extra equipment required. Any standard phone model is compatible with the implementation of a USB phone adapter, and the ringing remains the same whether the call comes via the Internet or by the landlines. The power for the USB device is taken from the computer, and the telephone on which you install the application can be regular or cordless without any problem whatsoever.

There are devices that enable auto-switching for incoming Internet calls or landline calls. The type of call is usually indicated by specific LEDs: there will be one for power, one for the Internet and one for landline calls. Some softwares are normally necessary to make the application possible, but these are included in the package of the USB phone adapter together with the cables and the installation manual. Even if the usability is incredibly large, there are nevertheless some technical requirements to be met before the installation of the adapter. Do not order a product over the Internet unless you are sure to meet the following technical conditions.

Most USB phone adapter designs are only compatible with Windows operating systems. Very few can be used on Macintosh or on Linux applications. Then, even the Windows platform needs to be 2000, XP or Vista. Anything below this triggers incompatibilities with the adapter and you won’t be able to make it work. The computer requires at least 15 MB free disk space and 128 MB RAM. Make sure you ask for an expert’s opinion if you are not able to determine the existence of these features on your own. Last but not least, only broadband Internet connections such as DSL or cable are suitable for the installation of an USB phone adapter.