How to Make a Telephone Call on a Dell Computer
Making a phone call from a Dell computer requires the use of something called a VoIP interface, which stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and converts the voice into a digital signal sent over the Internet, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Most Dell computers use Windows operating systems, so you will just need to find a program that is compatible with Windows. There are a few free services meeting these criteria, including Eva Phone, CallingAmerica, and Skype.
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Instructions
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Direct the Internet browser to Evaphone.com (see link in Resources). This is probably the easiest solution, as this particular site does not require any downloads or registration. You simply type in the phone number, including the area code and the country code, and and press the green "call" button. A short advertisement will play--which is how the site funds itself--and a few seconds later the program will connect the call. The length allowed for the call will vary depending on where you are calling.
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For another option, navigate to the CallingAmerica.com, another VoIP site. This site is quite similar to Evaphone. The length of the calls is limited to two minutes unless you register for a paid account, in which case you can make calls of up to fifteen minutes. Simply enter the area code and phone number you wish to call, within the United States or Canada, and press the "Free Call Now" button. A short ad will play before the call is connected.
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A third option is to download Skype. Skype is the behemoth among VoIP services, with by far the most users of any VoIP worldwide, according to Tech Spot (see References 2). While Skype does have reliable service, it is only free to make calls to other Skype users. In order to make a call to a landline or cell phone, you will have to add money to the Skype account via bank account or Paypal, and long-distance rates will apply. The best option if you are using Skype is to get the person on the other end of the call to download it too and take advantage of the service for unlimited free calling--with the added advantage of being able to see each other while you're talking, if you both have webcams on your computers.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Old telephone image by Nenad Djedovic from Fotolia.com
