How to Use Yahoo Messenger to Make PC to PC Calls

Keeping in touch with friends and family is important, but it can be a pricey undertaking if the call is long distance. The Internet has changed that, however, thanks to services like Yahoo Messenger's PC to PC calling features. Now you can stay in touch with people across the globe for free.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Microphone or webcam (optional)
• Computer
• Yahoo Messenger
• Yahoo account

Call Another PC Using Yahoo Messenger

1. Load the Yahoo home page (see Resources below) and start Yahoo Messenger by signing in using your account information. Sign up for an account by clicking the 'Sign Up' button if you haven't done so already.
2. Click on a contact in your Contact List once Yahoo Messenger loads. This will make a number of different contact options appear like sending photos and files, as well as making direct connections.
3. Click the 'Call this PC' icon. This causes the other person's computer to alert him or her of your call.
4. Check your voicemail by clicking 'Menu' and then clicking the 'Voicemail' option. If you have voice messages, you can easily listen to them here.
5. Click on the 'Soundblast' button to choose from a list of different sound effects you can use in your conversation.

Tips & Warnings

• Test your microphone or headset to ensure good sound quality. Place it a comfortable distance away and record a few test words or sentences in order to find the best volume setting.
• If you want advice on which headset or webcam to buy, or if you just need some troubleshooting advice, use Yahoo Answers (see Resources below).
• Close any unnecessary applications while using Yahoo Messenger to make PC to PC calls. Your computer's resources may be limited, and using a wide variety of programs at once can make your system's performance suffer.
• Making PC to PC calls is free to use through Yahoo Messenger, but calling actual land lines or cell phones is not. Be sure to check the cost of making such calls before doing so if you're interested in the service, particularly if the people you are trying to reach are dispersed internationally.
• Protect your identity on Yahoo by creating a personalized password seal (see Resources below). Your customized seal will appear each time you log in to Yahoo, making it easier to spot fake Yahoo sign-in pages that 'phish' for your password.