How Can I See and Speak to Someone on the Computer?

VoIP options can reduce costs. In most cases, computer-to-computer calls require both parties to share the same service.

Stay in touch and save money when you see and speak to someone on the computer. Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) clients, such as Skype, can be downloaded to a PC. For a small monthly fee, most VoIP providers offer unlimited call time. Some services may be free, especially for computer-to-computer calls and software-based phones. Or install VoIP clients on cell phones to process the video chat between a computer and a cell phone. If you are uncomfortable about downloading applications to your PC, use an online instant messaging client, such as OoVoo for seeing and speaking to your friend.

Instructions

Skype

1. Download and install a VoIP client, such as Skype or Google Talk on your computer. Ask your friend to repeat the process. Set up accounts with the respective VoIP application, and sign in to your accounts by providing the username and password. Select the option to add a contact and enter your friend's username. Right-click your friend's icon in your contact list and select the option to start a video chat.

2. Download and install a VoIP client that is supported by your cell phone model. For instance, Skype supports different cell phones, including Nokia E5 and Sony Ericsson Xperia, BlackBerry and Motorola handsets. Launch the VoIP client on your phone and select the option to add a contact. Enter your friend's username to add him to your contact list. Click your friend's username from your contact list to initiate a video chat with him. Your friend can have a video chat with you from the computer or another cell phone that is supported by the VoIP client.

3. Initiate the video chat with your friend in an online environment. Applications, such as OoVoo, allow users to enjoy voice and video chats without the hassle of downloading applications to the computer or cell phone. You can have a video chat session with multiple friends on this client. Visit the application's Web site and sign up for a new account. Log in to your account and add your friend to your contact list. Click your friend's icon and select the option to start a video chat with him.

References

• Skype: Support
• Skype: Skype Supported Cell Phones

Resources

• Skype: Get Skype
• OoVoo
• Google: Download Google Talk