If you’re feeling frustrated by an expensive monthly telephone bill, the solution might lie in a technology called VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol. It’s easier than you might think to turn your computer into a phone and also save money on calls to local and international numbers. Some people prefer to purchase special phones that connect to Ethernet cables, or use an adapter that transforms a traditional analog phone signal into a digital one that can be sent over the Internet. However, the easiest option is called computer-to-computer.
As you might guess from the name, this solution involves conversing with another person who is also using their computer. Many people consider this option to be both the simplest and cheapest way to make calls, especially since some providers, such as Skype and Viber, offer the software for free.
Getting Set Up to Make Calls
After downloading the software, you just need a computer with a sound card, speakers, microphone and Internet connection. For best results, make calls across a fast Internet connection such as ones through cable or DSL, and make a few test calls to tweak settings, too.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are several advantages of using VoIP service, especially because many providers offer services that may cost extra through a traditional phone line. However, if your Internet connection frequently goes down, you may wish to wait and get a more reliable Internet service provider before fully switching over to using your computer as a phone.
Also, some VoIP providers may have limitations on whether or not you can use the service to dial emergency numbers. Furthermore, you may not be able to make a call during a power outage, even if your Internet connection is still working.
What If the Person You’re Calling Doesn’t Have a VoIP-enabled Computer?
Perhaps you’ve gotten to the point where you’re set up for VoIP calling and are able to do it comfortably, but you’d like to call someone who has a landline number, so they won’t be talking to you via their PC. It’s easy to do that through services like Skype. However, whereas calls that take place between two people using computers are often free, there will be a small fee incurred for calling a landline using VoIP. Usually, it is a per-minute rate that varies depending on the country you’re calling. Even though there is a fee involved, it’ll still likely to be much cheaper than using a traditional setup, especially if you need to occasionally call abroad, such as to contact a customer service number for a product that was manufactured in another country.
Now you should have enough information to start using your computer as a telephone and save money too. Good luck!
