What is VoIP?

by Scott Dimeler | More from this Blogger

10 May 2006 08:00 AM

VOIP! VOIP? What is that? It sounds like the name of a pizza mascot. It's not really. What it means is Voice Over Internet Protocol. Simply put it allows you to use a high speed internet connection such as cable internet or DSL service to talk to someone else. This type of service has been available for a few years now but with some new technology and more people signing up for high speed internet, it becomes a much more widespread option.

VoIP convents your voice into a digital signal that is sent out over the internet and then is converted back so that you can speak to anyone. If you have the converter and the right service, you can use your regular phone to dial, with a dial tone and everything, and call anyone with a regular telephone number, either land line or cell phone. There are some VoIP programs out there that let you talk from computer to computer or computer to telephone. A simple microphone and speakers is all you need although I'd definitely suggest using a microphone/boom headset combo. Not only is it easier and hands free, the sound quality is better as you have less background noise and echo. You can buy an affordable one for ten to twenty dollars all the way up to very high end headsets. Many Instant Messenger services have voice and video chat as an option as well.

The days of locking away the phone in the storm cellar for fear of making one of those dreaded long distance calls are over. With the added competition of cell phones and VoIP, most phone companies have made available affordable unlimited long distance calling packages. If you still pay a per minute charge for long distance from your home phone and you do place a few calls a month I would definitely suggest researching not only what packages your phone company and its competitors have, but also looking into VoIP if you have high speed internet.

It's difficult to go into many details of when, where, and how much it will cost, because that really depends on what service you decide to chose. Like most new technologies, you really need to figure out your needs and research the options you have available to best meet them. Some choices are free, some aren't. Make sure you read any EULA (End User Licensee Agreement) or contract you are asked to sign.

Related Sites:

http://www.voip-info.org/wiki/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VoIP http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/ip-telephony.htm http://www.vonage.com/ http://www.broadbandinfo.com/got-high-speed/voip-and-broadband-phones/yahoo.html http://www.skype.com/ http://www.goteamspeak.com/ http://www.ventrilo.com/

Learn more about Scott Dimeler

Scott is writer, a graphic artist, a web designer, and sometimes marketing guy.

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Dean Householder (925) 19 May 2006 12:33 AM

I switched to Vonage and have been very happy in the VOIP world. =) Also I highly recommend Skype! You can do 3-way calling, video conferencing, and call across the world for free or cheap!