How to Make Phone Calls Over the Internet

Using the Internet as an alternative to traditional telephone conversations can be less expensive, but slightly more complicated. Be sure to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before you invest too much time and money in Internet telephony.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 16-bit Full-duplex Sound Cards
• Computer Microphones
• Computer Speakers
• Internet Telephony Programs

1. Make sure you can connect to the Internet with your Broadband Internet Connection.

2. Make sure your computer is equipped with a sound card of at least 16 bits. The sound card should also allow recording.

3. Purchase compatible speakers and a microphone if you don't already have these components.

4. Buy or download Internet telephony software and install it on your computer. The software you choose must be the same as or compatible with the software of the people you wish to call.

5. Make arrangements with the person you wish to call establishing that you will be online at a specific time.

6. Follow the instructions of your specific telephony software for making a call. This usually involves accessing a server and selecting a name from a list of users who are currently online.

Tips & Warnings

• In general, online telephone calls can only be made between two people who have computers, Internet access and compatible software, although some applications (such as Dialpad) allow you to call regular telephones.
• For optimal clarity, use a full-duplex sound card.
• Instant-messaging software will give you instant messages, but without the voice effects.

Who Can Help:

• eFax is the world’s #1 Internet fax service.  Send and receive faxes by email and kiss your fax machine goodbye. 30-Day Free Trial

[safehaven]

on 3/9/2009 can a cell phone be intercepted via a computer if theoretically they both have data access. I ask because I believe that my phone has been tampered and as such my email has also been compromised.This is currently going on through VM..via the texting. so my question is ..is the text number able to act as a portal to my email.Thank you

[pal4u80]

on 9/15/2008 Over the internet without a computer, you can make free phone calls using IPvaani service. www.IPvaani.com or by using IPdarshan video phone service. www.IPdarshan.com

If you have computer and internet and want to use computer based free services then use skype, yahoo voice chat, Gtalk

[pal4u80]

on 9/15/2008 Over the internet without a computer, you can make free phone calls using IPvaani service. www.IPvaani.com or by using IPdarshan video phone service. www.IPdarshan.com

If you have computer and internet and want to use computer based free services then use skype, yahoo voice chat, Gtalk

on 4/12/2008 One person can use an online telephone service and call someone's general line if that person does not have Internet access. Try it!

on 11/22/2005 Using MSN messenger or Dial Pad. You may make a free phone call to or within the U.S. Both are free downloads from either MSN.com or Dialpad.com.