http://home.maine.rr.com/randylinscott/jun99.htm
Although a hold feature is standard on most new phones, a lot of us still use the origional bell phones. Those of us that require a hold feature will find this circuit very useful. It is easy to build, and is compact enough to be installed inside the phone with no real problem. It is also powered by the phone line itself, eliminating the need for batteries.
http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/phonhold.htm
Very often when enjoying music or watching TV at high audio level, we may not be able to hear a telephone ring and thus miss an important incoming phone call. To overcome this situation, the circuit presented here can be used.
http://www.electronicsforu.com/efylinux/circuit/jul2000/cir1.htm
Telephone lines are long copper wires from central office to your apartment. Usually those wires are between few hundred meters to few kilometers.
http://www.epanorama.net/documents/telecom/telesurge.html
revents other telephones from hearing your call and disturbing your modem connection.
http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/tele_privacy.html