Talk is Cheap with Internet Telephony
Recently, large phone companies such as AT&T and small ones, like Vonage, have started to offer VoIP service. But before you commit, we suggest that you take a test drive. Our recommendations include:
Skype has soared in popularity for its user-friendliness. The software works on PCs running Windows, Mac OS, Linux and even smartphones. Computer-to-computer calls are free, but it will cost you to use SkypeOut, a service that let's you call telephones.
With Yahoo! Voice, you can make free PC-to-PC calls when you use Yahoo! Messenger, and worldwide calls for only a few cents per minute.
Vonage has taken Internet phone calling mainstream and offers a variety of flat-rate service plans for unlimited calling.
NetMeeting from Microsoft lets you make worldwide computer-to-computer calls and in some cases, computer-to-telephone calls. You may already have this program installed on your computer. If not, download it from Microsoft's website. NetMeeting also has many other excellent features for online collaboration.
Windows Messenger also include telephony features. You can download the software for free from the Microsoft website.
Internet telephony is the wave of the future, with some industry analysts predicting that all phone calls will eventually be free. As telephony standards emerge and bandwidth increases, this is becoming a distinct possibility.
Last update: Nov 29, 2009
