Caller Display 2 demo

from Octopus Systems

Following the review of Caller Display 2 in issue 11:8, we have included the demonstration version of the software on this disc to allow you to try before you buy. This demonstration software also has some useful facilities which you may find handy even if you don't want to purchase the full package.

Caller Display tells you who is calling when the telephone rings and works as a personal assistant to help you handle telephone calls more efficiently. This is a demonstration version of the software which is normally supplied with a Pace 56K modem or a Caller ID unit which plugs into the serial port.

This demonstration is also a useful utility, as it can be used to look up place names or area codes and show their location on a map of the UK. See below for details.

Caller Display
When you receive a call, the full system instantly opens a window showing the caller's telephone number and also the caller's name (if it has previously been entered).

When a call is received it will also:
 speak the caller's name in case you are away from the computer;
 open a file containing notes of previous conversations;
 show the caller's location on a map;
 stop the CD drive if it is playing a music CD;
 power up the monitor if it has powered down.

It will even link to other programs, such as Prophet 3 (in which it will automatically open the relevant account record if the caller is one of your customers or a suppliers).

Businesses can use Caller Display to impress their customers by having all of their details to hand before answering the call, while home users can impress their friends and screen unwanted double-glazing calls.

All incoming and outgoing calls are logged and timed, and a simple click will list all previous calls to or from a particular number, together with the call durations.

Caller Display 2 is supplied with a small CID1 unit or a Pace 56K voice/fax modem, both of which plug into the computer's serial port. The CID1 version logs outgoing calls dialled from any telephone extension, while the Pace version logs calls dialled via the modem.

The Pace modem offers fast Internet connections (typically 46K) with free upgrades to V90 when available, and it works well with ArcFax and the ANT Internet Suite. It is also the only modem to offer full UK Caller ID.

The Caller Display service is available on most telephone lines, even if you don't have the 1471 service, and costs just 4 per quarter from BT.

Demonstration
This demonstration version will let you try out the Caller Display System, and simulates a telephone call to show you what would normally happen when receiving a real one.

If you have RISC OS 3.60 or earlier, you will need to update your computer with the Toolbox modules from Acorn. These should be available from most Acorn dealers or public domain libraries. With any luck, they'll also still be on Acorn's Web site!

Once you have updated !System (if necessary) you can double-click on !CallerID to run the demo.

Note that you can use this demonstration as a useful utility simply by deleting the DemoScript file inside the application. You can then use it for storing your personal telephone directory, dialling numbers and for looking up area codes. It can also be used to find the location of a person, area code, town or city on the UK map.

To get started, try using the Area Code menu to search for 01473 or Ipswich. It should show a map of the country. If you enter your own area code into the choices it will also tell you how far away places are.

Use Acorn's interactive help program for a full description of the buttons and menus in the CallerID program.

(Thanks to Frank van de Pol for allowing us to use his FPlay sound module in this demonstration, and to T Clark for the co-ordinate data.)

Ordering
Send an order with a cheque to Octopus Systems:
	CID1 unit & Caller Display software: 99
	Pace 56K Modem & Caller Display software: 164
	Speak software: 20
	Atomwide triple serial port: 117

Prices include leads and VAT, but please add 5 for postage and packing. Overseas orders, please enquire before ordering.

Software upgrades from version 1 are available for 29, and they offer all of the features listed above except for the outgoing call logging and duration timing (new hardware is required for these features).

The Atomwide serial port card is only needed for Caller Display for the A300 or A400, or if the serial port on your machine is already in use for something else. The Speak software is used to announce callers' names.

For further information, or to place an order, contact:
	Octopus Systems
	9 Randwell Close
	IPSWICH
	IP4 5ES
	Tel. 01473 728943
	Fax 01473 270643
	http://www.octosys.co.uk/


Copyright  Octopus Systems 1998