Disabling Modem Auto-Answer

Auto-answer modems like Commodore's 1670 will answer incoming calls whenever the computer is on, whether it's telecommunicating or not. Most human callers get very disoriented when a computer answers their calls.  Some computerists avoid the problem by connecting their modems only when ac- tually telecommunicating, or by using software to disable the autoanswering feature everytime they power up or reset. Forgetfulness easily defeats either of these techniques, and neither one is compatible with hassle-free computing.
 
At $7.95, Radio Shack's 43-127 Ringer Silencer is the perfect solution to the problem- it prevents the ringing signal from reaching the modem, but doesn't disturb anything else.

 I keep my 1670 permanently plugged into my 128 and permanently connected, through the switched off Ringer Silencer, to a telephone jack on the wall. Because the modem is always plugged into the line, I can telecommunicate at any time without making additional connections. Because the computer never answers the phone, my human callers retain their pleasant dispositions.