Networking & Communications

Internet Router

Free Internet to Phone Calls - 4 Easy Steps

Finally, Voice Over IP (VOIP) is freely available and more importantly, is of the same high quality as regular phone service! VOIP was introduced a few years ago and well...if you tried it when it first came out, then you'll be shocked at the improvements and the quality of your "connection" now!

Internet to phone calls can be free with the right stuff

Here's all you need to make free phone calls from your computer:

1. Internet service (cable or DSL), the fastest you can afford.

2. A computer.

3. A headset that includes a microphone and is made for computers.

4. A Gmail account through Google.com (it's free).

Your Internet Connection is Important

The type of internet service you have is important. A dial-up connection will not work for making internet to phone calls and really defeats the purpose right? Unless you're only interested in using it for long distance. You can call free and unlimited to Canada and the US using your Google Gmail account. Bottom line.. the faster the better. But even middle of the road speed is good enough. But ditch the dial-up.

Computer Headset with Microphone

If you're reading this you already have an internet connection and a computer. Great! Now you'll need a headset. The headset will need to be for computers. Shop online using the search phrase "computer headset with microphone". The price range varies so you're sure to find a headset that fits your budget. Plantronics headsets are highly recommended. They are inexpensive and reliable.

Gmail Account from Google

Google just introduced their free internet to phone calling service. All you need is a Gmail account and a headset. From your Gmail account you can call any phone in the US and Canada. Other similar services, like Skype, only offer computer to computer calls for free. Google allows you to call any phone from your computer. For now, internet to phone calls to the US and Canada are totally free! Yippee! Oh and of course, Gmail accounts are also free! Double Yippee!

Internet to Phone Using your Existing Home Telephones

You have a couple of options here. You've probably heard of Magic Jack. In my opinion the quality is substandard. But it is cheap and easy. It's a yearly subscription. You get a whole year's worth of service for the cost of one month of land line service, plus unlimited long distance.

Another option is Ooma. This service is great! My personal favorite. It does require you to buy the Ooma box. It connects to your internet router or cable box. You plug your phone into the Ooma box using a regular phone line. They also sell another box called the Ooma Scout that allows you to use your existing telephone wall jacks!

The only downside to Ooma is the initial purchase of the equipment, currently around $250. But the good news is... no more phone bills! Really! Ooma has a standard service and a Premier service. Standard is free and Premier has a few more bells and whistles added for a small monthly fee but is totally optional. The sound quality is virtually indistinguishable from regular telephone service. This is a great internet to phone service!

Monthly Internet to Phone Service Providers

It looks like everyone is getting on this bandwagon. You may hear it referred to as "bundling your services". For example Comcast and AT&T now offer telephone service bundled with internet and TV services. These "packages" use VOIP technology.

With the right equipment and a good internet connection you can virtually eliminate your telephone bill. But before you disconnect your telephone service, there is one very important thing to keep in mind...if the internet goes out you won't be able to call out! Nor will you be able to receive calls. No internet also means no emergency 911 service, luckily your cell phone will work great as a back up plan!

About the Author

Buy Ooma, MagicJack and Headsets and receive free reports on the benefits and uses of VOIP, visit http://www.internet-to-phone.com where we provide this and so much more.

What do I look for in an internet router, and how to set it up?

I want to stay in touch with my friends and cousins stationed overseas, and we spend time together by playing World of Warcraft. My roommates have DSL, and I offered to split the bill if I can use their DSL line. I want to buy a wireless internet router and connector for my computer. What should I look for in a router, and can I get tips on how to set it up?

Basically, routers that supports 802.11g like Linksys WRT54g and a wireless adapter card or USB wireless adapter.

Configure first the router by connecting it to a computer via LAN cable on any 4 port available. There should be an instruction on the manual on how to configure your router.

After doing so, connect the DSL connection cable of your roommate to the internet port of the router, and another cable for his pc.

First Internet Router.avi