Here are some questions that are often asked in regards to MacDialer:
Can I use a cable/DSL/Airport/broadband modem with MacDialer?
MacDialer requires that you use a phone line in order to call. Therefore, cable modems are out. It also needs a 56k modem to dial, so it can't use DSL modems. I'm told that it can't be used with the modem in Airports, either.
Can I use phone cards with MacDialer?
Yes. Yes you can. Check out how to use phone cards.
Why does MacDialer hang up after half a ring?
The short answer is because it is supposed to. The long answer: MacDialer is supposed to hang up after a set amount of time. This prevents it from playing over your computer's speakers. If you want it to hold on longer, you can change the "Auto-hangup delay" in the preferences window.
Can MacDialer answer phone calls?
No. See the next question.
Can I use MacDialer to hold a conversation?
Again, no. MacDialer is currently solely for dialing numbers. The internal modems in recent Macintoshes are incapable of handling normal phone conversation data. They can handle data such as caller ID information, but in my tests and in lots of anecdotal evidence, Apple appears to have disabled this. If I can figure out a way to turn it back on, I'll implement caller ID information. That'd be the best I could do if it is possible.
So, how do I use this promised integration with dialing from within Address Book?
In the mounted disk image of MacDialer, there is a "Extras" folder with some sample applescripts and a folder that says "Address Book Plug-Ins". Open this folder and drag the applescript to the "Address Book Plug-ins" folder of your "Library" folder (~/Library/Address Book Plug-Ins"). The next time you launch Address Book (if it is already open, quit it), click on a contact, click on the label next to (one of) its phone number(s) and select the menu item that says "Dial number (number of the contact)". MacDialer will now dial this number for you. If this folder is not in your library folder, simply create a new folder with "Address Book Plug-Ins" as its name. It is important to have the first letters of every word capitalized, even the "i" in "Ins."
What do I have to do to set my own menu icons?
See this page for details.