How can I make a phone call on the internet?

There are two ways to make a phone call over the internet – computer to computer and computer to phone.

Making calls over the internet is great because it’s so much cheaper than calling using your regular phone and often free.

Now you can call that cousin in Germany and talk all day!

Phone calls over the internet use a system called ‘VOIP’ or Voice Over Internet Protocol.

To find out more about VOIP, check the VOIP website.

voip.org.uk

What you’ll need to make a call

To make a phone call over the internet you’ll need a microphone, speakers, a sound card and an internet connection, (preferably a fast one).

You’ll also need the right software – but more on that later.

Most new computers will have a sound card already installed. Look at the back of your computer for small plugs labelled ‘Mic’ and ‘Speakers’ or ‘Line out’. That’s your sound card!

You may have to buy the speakers and microphone to plug in here.

Computer to computer calls

This is probably the easiest way to make a call over the net, and it’s definitely the cheapest. Systems like Skype allow you to talk to anyone, anywhere for free.

Computer to computer calls are usually free, no matter where you are calling. The only thing you’ll need will be the software.

There are several companies offering free software that you can use – try:
Skype
PhoneFree
NetMeeting
ICQ Phone
Yahoo! Messenger

Computer to telephone calls

You can also make calls from your computer to a regular telephone.

Like with computer to computer calling, you’ll need some software. Often you can use the same software you use for computer to computer calls.

You’ll need to sign up for the service and while the software is usually free you will be charged for the calls themselves.

This means you’ll need to give your credit card details. Typically computer to telephone is much cheaper than a regular phone call, and charged on a per-minute basis.

To find out more about computer to phone software, and the various call rates that apply, here are some of the well known ones:

ICQ Phone
Dialpad
Net2Phone

Source: bbc.co.uk