sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information Beginners Guide To Phone Systems

I'd like to thank everyone who gave valid suggestions on books/materials. I'm fully aware (not ignorant) that with anything, it's impossible to gain complete knowledge from a book, this is merely a guide.

Let's be realistic money is a huge issue right now. Which is why I'm seeking assistance through other avenues.

There is a beginners book with very general knowledge about everything from phones to LANs explaining why and how they work for the non-technical. It also has a lot of illustrations so you can visually see how different set-ups look and how traffic moves through voice and data networks and what devices the traffic goes through and why. It is called How Networks Work by Frank J. Derfler. You can buy it for around $25.

You are not in a unique position. Businesses are throwing everything from the computers to the copier to the kitchen microwave maintenance to the local IT guy, and we do feel your pain. Telephone systems have become a recent addition to this stack of duties that really aren't your responsibility.

I think that if you check out the documentation that has been suggested, then take notes and come back here with questions for clarification, you will receive much more clear and concise answers.

You have been thrown to the wolves, there is no doubt there. We just can't establish meaningful dialog with you from step one as it would take a collective effort of hundreds of hours. We are more of a "how do I" place, if that makes any sense. We can tell you how to set the time on your watch, but we can't tell you how to build it.

I hope that gives you more of an idea as to what resources we can provide.