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Use your Computer to make Cheap Long-Distance Telephone Calls
What is 'VoIP'? Simply put, VoIP refers to the carriage of voice signals over the Internet. PC to Phone VoIP refers to using your 'Internet-connected' computer to make calls to conventional telephones around the world. Whereas traditional telephone calls take place over fixed line 'circuit switched' networks, VoIP calls are routed through the Internet using a far more efficient method known as 'packet switching'. Whilst carrying voice data more efficiently via the Internet is a benefit, the main advantage that VoIP has is one of cost. For example, a typical PC to Phone VoIP call to a telephone in the United States from anywhere in the world generally runs at just a few cents per minute. Keep in mind, the clarity/quality of PC to Phone calls is usually as good and in many cases better than that of a comparable Phone to Phone call. How can it be so cheap? Herein lies the beauty of PC to Phone calls. By using the Internet to route your calls, long-distance charges imposed upon you by the major telecommunications companies (Bell, Sprint, AT&T, etc) are all but eliminated. Furthermore, many of the governmental levies and fees associated with using the highly regulated 'traditional' telephone networks are also avoided. The result? Extremely cheap, long distance calling to conventional telephones around the world with little or no loss of call quality. So how does it work? In a typical PC to Phone call, your computer receives your voice input via a microphone and then translates your voice into a 'data packet'. This packet of data is then transmitted via the Internet to as close as possible to the physical destination of the telephone you're calling. Your voice 'data packet' is then switched to the conventional telephone network and routed to the phone that you are calling. All of this data transmission, translation and switching takes place transparently and extremely quickly. Chances are that the person whom you're calling would have no idea that you're talking to them using your computer. So what do you need? In order to start making long-distance telephone calls using your computer, you'll need a computer that's connected to the Internet, a microphone and speakers (a headset with a boom microphone is ideal). It's worth mentioning that although there are several companies that support both the Linux and Macintosh platforms (e.g., www.skype.com), the vast majority of PC to Phone software is designed for use on Windows' compatible PCs. As far as your Internet connection goes, the faster the better (e.g., high speed Cable or ADSL). However, PC to Phone does also work on dial-up Internet connections (the way I access the Internet). The next thing to do is choose a PC to Phone Service Provider. These are the companies that provide the software and infrastructure necessary for you to make calls to conventional telephones via the Internet. There are many Service Providers and each have their own benefits and rates so it's a good idea to shop around. Almost all of them allow for pay-as-you-go usage (i.e., on a per minute basis) however some also offer unlimited calling plans to certain destinations for a low monthly fee. Some of the better known Providers include Once you've chosen a Service Provider, you'll need to open an account and deposit funds into that account. If you're reluctant to use your credit card online, many of the PC to Phone companies offer alternative forms of payment (e.g., PayPal, direct deposit, wire transfer, etc.). Next, you'll need to download the 'softphone' application from your service provider. A softphone is merely the interface program through which you dial the number of the person you're calling and usually only takes a few minutes to download on even the slowest 'dial-up' Internet connections. Softphones generally resemble the keypad on conventional telephones and work in much the same way. Depending on your service provider, the manner in which you 'dial out' will vary. Typically, the softphone will take into account where you are in the world and adjust the dialing settings accordingly. In other words, you'd dial the exact same series of numbers into the softphone that you would if you were using a conventional telephone. Once you've made a few calls to friends and family around the world using your computer, you'll quickly realize the fantastic cost advantages of making 'PC to Phone' calls versus 'Phone to Phone' calls. So what's the catch? Whilst PC to Phone is terrific, it isn't perfect. There are some disadvantages that you should be aware of and these include: a) Quality: If you access the Internet via a 'dial-up' connection (i.e., through a normal telephone line), you may experience call quality degradation if you are surfing the web and talking to someone via PC to Phone at the same time. In other words, the 'bandwidth' or 'capacity of your Internet connection' may be limited and this could affect your calling ability. b) Echo: If you're using computer speakers to hear the person you're talking to, that person may hear an 'echo' of their own voice. This happens for reasons similar to that encountered with the 'speakerphone' function on conventional telephones. At the same time as you hear that person's voice coming through your computer speakers, your microphone will also detect the voice and re-transmit the signal back to the person you're talking to. This 'echo' can easily be avoided by using either a computer headset or by turning your speaker volume down so as to minimize the chance of your microphone picking up and retransmitting the incoming voice signals. c) Cost: If you're calling relatively small and/or remote countries, you should check the rates of the PC to Phone Service Providers' to those countries before signing up for their PC to Phone service. For example, calling a country like Fiji in the Pacific Ocean is almost as expensive using PC to Phone as it is using a conventional telephone. The reason for these high rates to certain countries is usually due to the PC to Phone Service Provider not having the necessary switching equipment (required for switching your call back to the traditional telephone network from the Internet) physically located in that country. In these scenarios, your calls are routed through the traditional telephone network for a good proportion of the distance they travel and as such they attract many of the long-distance charges that the traditional networks impose. If you'd like to call one country in particular, it's definitely worth shopping around to find out whether prospective PC to Phone companies have the necessary switching equipment located in that country (and hence, can pass on the savings to you in the form of cheaper rates). So give PC to Phone a try. You've really nothing to lose and have the potential to save yourself a lot of money. Nathan Smith Nathan is the operator of http://www.netphonedirectory.com - a directory of PC to Phone and free PC to PC VoIP Service Providers. Nathan currently resides in New Brunswick, Canada
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VoIP - A Laymans Look - Should You Or Shouldnt You? "As business people we manufacture shin pads, or we distribute cat food, or we evangelize, but should we be considering VoIP? Will it make us more money, or save us time?" -Dennis SchooleySo what's all this VoIP hype anyway? I mean we all know that our voice can be delivered to the four corners of the globe over telephone lines. (Actually, I missed that part of second grade math where they taught us that a ball has corners, but everybody says it, so I'll accept it). Is VoIP the "Next Big Thing" in Telecommunications? VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol has been simmering for the past few years. This year the market has heated up. Bluetooth Computer Headsets - Enjoy Wireless Freedom Wireless Computer HeadsetsTill recently, few options were available to people interested in using cordless headsets with their computers. Dedicated wireless Headsets are available, however they often cost upwards of $200 US putting them out of reach of the average user. What's Your IQ on Basic PC Phone (VoIP) Knowledge Short T/F quiz1. T / F You can save a significant amount of money using VoIP rather than traditional telephone/cell phone calling methods. The Dangers of Peer-to-Peer Systems Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems do not operate on secure lines, thus providing a conduit for hackers to enter a network or computer, access personal and confidential information, as well as deploy viruses or worms. Users of P2P systems are prime targets and/or launching points for malicious hacker attacks simply because it requires downloading and sharing electronic files or programs, not to mention usage on publicly open and interpretable industry standard protocols and industry standard codec. Alarm Systems & VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Phone Lines An astounding and unexpected number of people are dropping their (POTS) plain old telephone system, for the latest trends in phone service, VoIP. According to Frost & Sullivan there were 100,000 VoIP users at the end of 2003. What can a VoIP Phone System Do for a Small Business? Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is a term used to describe the transmission of telephone calls using a data network, rather than over traditional phone lines. It is a simple concept, but one that is having a very significant impact on the world of business communications. Should You ,VoIP? My friend in Florida, Samuel, called me last week and immediately I noticed a difference in the sound quality compared to our usual conversations. At first, I dismissed it, thinking he was calling me from his cell phone. What Is VoIP and How Does It Work IntroductionThe way we make phone calls is changing. In fact in many circumstances things have already changed. Use your Computer to make Cheap Long-Distance Telephone Calls What is 'VoIP'?Simply put, VoIP refers to the carriage of voice signals over the Internet. PC to Phone VoIP refers to using your 'Internet-connected' computer to make calls to conventional telephones around the world. How Much Bandwidth is Required for VoIP Phones? A long-standing question for potential VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) consumers is "How much bandwidth does a VoIP phone require to make quality telephone calls?"First of all, Bandwidth is defined as the ability to transfer data (such as a VoIP telephone call) from one point to another in a fixed amount of time. The higher the bandwidth speed you have, the more data you can send over your Broadband Internet connection. Voip Providers Review--- Choose The Best One For Your Business Making phone calls applying a broadband Internet connection,known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), is becoming so popular with corporations of each size. The prospect of paying a flat fee for unlimited long-distance phone calls is attractive to each company that has struggled to balance the want to conduct business phone calls with the cost of those calls. VoIP: Finally Worth a Look Dear Internet Friends, Hundreds of thousands of consumers collectively save millions of dollars each month by replacing (or supplementing) their traditional telephone service with personal voice over IP (VoIP) telephony. Using IP to transmit voice is not new. VOIP This article contains the excellent information about the Voice Over IP Protocol.Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is the wave of the future in terms of telephone communication via the Internet. VOIP: A Basic, Basic Intro What is it?Most people are familiar w/ NetMeeting and other software that let you talk to others over the internet. VOIP is similar. The Calling Card Alternative For a few years now, the calling cards business is booming. Everywhere you go, everywhere you search you might find one: in WallMarts, grocery stores, newspaper stands, vending machines in coffee shops. How to Choose VoIP Service Without Losing Your Shirt Voip.Just mentioning the word to yourself either brings up images of walking in a new city where the grass is greener, or it brings up fear of the unknown. Do You Text Chat (IM) Online? IM (Instant Messaging) - man, we thought we had it made in the shade when we stumbled over this unique way to communicate! Outside of talking person-to-person on the phone, IM was the next best thing. Texting talk was endless and cost was nonexistent. Voice over IP (VoIP) Features Because with VOIP you can make calls from anywhere you have access to a broadband connection, users can take their IP phones or ATA's with them on trips and still have access to what is essentially their home phone.Some people use a softphone to access their VOIP service. Try VoIP for Free - No Commitment, No Hardware Try VoIP Before BuyingSo you like the concept of 'cutting' your phone service in favour of VoIP but are hesitant to take the plunge and abandon your 'Landline' without trying it out for yourself first. Perhaps the advertised features and rates all sound a little 'too-good-to-be-true'.
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