VoIP uses Internet infrastructure rather than phone lines or broadcast towers to carry phone calls.
If you want to make free calls, you have two basic options. In addition to the old standby of using somebody else's phone, you can use the Internet to make free calls via new technology known as "Voice over Internet Protocol," or VoIP. It works by carrying phone calls over Internet data lines instead of telephone lines, using Internet Protocol. A cottage industry has arisen to provide VoIP services to high-speed Internet users.
Instructions
Voice over Internet Protocol
1. Select a VoIP service provider that provides free calling. Companies such as Skype, Raketu and voipCheap, to name a few, all provide VoIP services that include limited free calls. Be sure to check the fine print; there's rarely such a thing as unlimited free calls.
2. Purchase any hardware you may need, based on the advice of the VoIP service provider. At the very minimum, you will need a microphone installed on your computer to capture your voice, and speakers to play back the other party's voice. Alternatively, many VoIP service providers sell VoIP telephones, with both handheld sets and headsets available. Those may appeal to you if you prefer handling a conventional phone for your calls rather than using a computer microphone and speakers.
3. Consider adding a webcam to give yourself the option of making your phone calls video-enabled.
4. Install the VoIP software on your computer, and follow the instructions to place your call.
Tags: free calls, Internet Protocol, over Internet, phone calls, VoIP service, make free, over Internet Protocol