How to Use a Home Computer Without a Phone Line
By James Clark
The main reason for using a phone line with a home computer would be to establish an Internet connection or place calls through the computer, so using a home computer without a telephone line becomes a matter of choosing alternatives for an Internet connection. DSL and dial-up Internet connections are the two types of services available over a phone line. Alternatives include wireless connections via satellite and broadband cable service.
Use a home computer for normal computing tasks such as word processing, book keeping and desktop publishing without the need for a phone line or any other connection. Computers with multi-media capability such as a DVD drive can be used to enjoy movies and music or to burn audio and video to disc without the need for a phone line or other connection.
Connect the computer to a broadband service through a cable TV or satellite provider. This service requires a cable modem connected to the computer by Ethernet cable to the port on the PC. The Ethernet cable resembles a standard telephone line, but with a wider plug. Insert the plug with the wider edge facing downward from the modem to the PC, pushing straight in until it clicks.
Connect the modem to the coaxial cable from the wall, which will be set up by a service technician after contacting the company to establish Internet service. The coupler on the end of the cable turns clockwise around the threaded jack on the back of the modem, which can then be connected to an electrical outlet with the DC power cord.
Connect home computers equipped with a wireless receiver (Wi-Fi) to the cable or satellite modem by turning on the Wi-Fi switch located on the keyboard or along the edge of a laptop.
Double-click the satellite icon on the task bar at the bottom of the computer screen to open a window listing the available wireless connections. Double-click on the name of the connection that serves the home computer. This name will be established when the technician installs the modem for service.
Type in the alpha-numeric code provided for the home service into the box labeled "Network Security Key" and click "OK" to establish the Internet connection.
Double-click an Internet browser icon such as Firefox or Internet Explorer to open a browser and begin exploring the web without a telephone line.
References
Tips
- Installation of cable or satellite Internet service is typically free as part of the service contract with the company, but be sure to ask about fees when establishing new service.
- High-speed fiber optic service also connects with a computer in the same manner as a cable or satellite modem, although the installation is typically more extensive and requires a professional technician. Once the hardware is installed, the fiber-optic line connect by coaxial cable to a modem, which in turn hooks up to the home computer with an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
Warnings
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a telephone service that uses an Internet connection for communications instead of a standard telephone land line, will only work when the Internet connection is also working. VoIP is a popular alternative to telephone service for people who do not have or want regular land line service. However, in a power outage or if Internet service cuts out, it will not be possible to place calls in the event of an emergency.
Writer Bio
James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.