| If you have a computer, a headset, and an internet | | | | the person you are talking to. Conference calling is also |
| connection, you can make free PC to PC phone calls | | | | possible - just click on another active user and they |
| to anyone in the world! The only catch is that the | | | | can join in the call!As of this writing, here are some |
| person you are calling must also have an active | | | | VoIP providers I found that offer free PC to PC |
| account with the same VoIP service provider, and | | | | internet phone calls with no monthly fees. Because |
| must be online to get the call. With any VoIP service, | | | | services can change from time to time, make sure |
| "in-network" calling (all callers subscribing to the same | | | | you agree with the terms and conditions before |
| carrier) is always free, but most providers require that | | | | creating an account. Skype is the largest and most |
| you pay a small monthly fee which allows you to | | | | well known provider with over 190 million downloads to |
| make "out-of-network" calls as well. Since this article is | | | | date.* with any software, your computer must meet |
| about making totally FREE internet phone calls, only the | | | | certain requirements in order for the installation to |
| VoIP providers that offer 100% free calling will be | | | | succeed. As a general rule, your computer should |
| mentioned.There are several internet phone service | | | | have at minimum a 400 MHz processor, 10 MB of free |
| providers that offer PC based phone calling, but only a | | | | disk space and 128 MB of RAM. You also need a |
| few do not require a monthly service fee when you | | | | sound card, and either a headset with microphone or |
| register. Because the PC to PC calling service is free, | | | | speakers and a microphone. Of course, you need an |
| you may have to put up with ads on your dial pad or | | | | internet connection as well. Software is available for |
| be limited to a certain call length, but for a free long | | | | PC, Mac and Linux platforms. Skype has software for |
| distance call this is probably acceptable to most | | | | Pocket PC as well.PC based VoIP will work fine over |
| people. If you want to make calls to a landline phone, | | | | a dial up connection of at least 33.6 Kbps, but be sure |
| you can do so by paying a low cost per minute (much | | | | to close all email applications and don't do any web |
| less than traditional long distance).So here's how to | | | | surfing while talking because these processes will |
| make free PC to PC phone calls: | | | | degrade performance. For the absolute best internet |
| ---------------------------------------------------Choose a | | | | phone calling experience, broadband is the way to |
| provider, then download and install their free software | | | | go.Free software-based PC to PC internet phone |
| (the software is a "dial pad" that you use to make | | | | service is a great way to "test the waters" if you are |
| calls).Register and get an account (you need to have a | | | | interested in trying VoIP before jumping into a paid |
| valid email address).Make sure the people you want to | | | | service. It's also perfect if you're on a tight budget and |
| call install the software and register with the same | | | | want to make some free long distance calls. Anyone |
| VoIP provider.Enter your friends usernames into your | | | | in the world can use VoIP as long as they have an |
| contact list, and ask that they do the same (this allows | | | | internet connection; just make sure all your friends and |
| you to see that they are online and able to accept | | | | relatives use the same carrier if you want to keep the |
| calls).Plug your headset (with microphone) into the | | | | calls free.This type of VoIP service is not compatible |
| appropriate in/out audio jacks on your computer (or | | | | with 911, so it should not be used as your one and only |
| USB port if applicable).Click on your contact and make | | | | phone. If you want save a lot of money on your phone |
| a call - that's all there is to it!Since PC to PC calling | | | | bill and use VoIP as your primary phone, consider |
| uses a technology similar to instant messaging, most | | | | subscribing to a hardware-based VoIP carrier like |
| VoIP provider's software allows you to text message | | | | Packet8, Vonage, Lingo or Voip.net. |