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