COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK AND METHOD

The network is particularly useful in office communications. The network includes a plurality of transceiver units, each of which can be used as a telephone, or as a dictation terminal, or optionally as an automatic telephone answering machine. The network includes a personal computer for performing various communications and communication control functions. A private branch telephone exchange ("PBX") can be included. Preferably, each transceiver unit includes a visual display for displaying messages. Messages can be sent from the computer to the transceiver units, or from one transceiver unit to another. The messages can be pre-set standard messages, or messages created uniquely. A telephone or PBX operator may send messages through the network reporting missed telephone calls, thus avoiding the need for written notes or other memoranda. The personal computer is used to send, forward, store and log messages. It can do telephone call accounting. It also can create, store, transmit to and receive from the transceiver units telephone directories for each transceiver unit. The computer also can keep a dictation log and a log of automatic telephone answering machine communications. It also can be used for ordinary computing or work processing functions simultaneously with its use in most of its other functions. The computer stores and retrieves information regarding appointments that the users of the network may have. Daily, weekly and monthly appointment calendars are provided for every user of the network. Then the user is given a reminder message through the network at a predetermined time prior to the appointment.