How to Make Long Distance Calls Online

Making long-distance calls online allows you to speak to family members, friends or business colleagues who live outside your local area without the need for a landline or cell phone. Many people believe making a long-distance call online offers greater convenience at less expense than dialing calls with the use of other devices. You can make long-distance calls online with a pair of headphones or earbuds, a microphone, a computer and an account with an online phone service.

Things You'll Need

• Headphones or earbuds
• Microphone
• Subscription to an online phone service

Instructions

1. Log in to your online phone service. If you do not have such a service, register for a subscription by visiting the website of the calling service of your choice, or by visiting the site of one of the online calling services listed in the Resource section. Click on the link for registering for an account, and provide information like your name, address, local area code and credit card information. Choose the service plan that best fits your needs by determining the approximate number of online long-distance calls you will make and comparing the prices to determine the best deal. Click on the radio button for the deal you select. Click Submit. The service then provides you with your personal phone number, your user name and your password. Enter this information and sign in.

2. Plug your headphones or earbuds into the headphone jack on your computer indicated by the small headphone symbol. Plug your microphone into the microphone jack on your computer indicated by the small microphone.

3. Enter the phone number that you wish to dial on the online phone service by tapping the digits in the phone number on your computer keypad. Click Dial.

4. Adjust the volume on your earpiece and microphone on the volume control feature that appears on your computer. Point your mouse on the volume controls and drag the volume knob to increase or decrease the volume of your earpiece and microphone. A good rule of thumb is to keep the volume for both incoming and outgoing audio just below the red lines on the controls, as this is loud enough to be heard, but quiet enough to avoid audio distortion during your call.

5. When the person you are calling answers the phone, begin your conversation.

References

• Smart Computing: Make an Online Telephone Call

Resources

• Skype: Make the Most of Skype
• Net 2 Phone: Communication Without Borders
• Delta Three: PC to Phone