Requirements

• Computer
• Broadband Internet access
• Telephone
• Communications software

Method 1: PC to PC

The PC to PC communication is the best example of a no charge Internet program. There are applications now available that allow you to do this.

The process is simple. You go to the website and download the software. Next you install it and log on to their network. Now you can make a call to another person using your computer.

The great thing about this free VoIP system is that there is no charge. It doesn’t matter where you are calling from or where the other person is. There is no cost to you or the other person, no matter how long the conversation.

There are two catches: the first is that the other person must install the software too. The second is that this only works on a PC to PC connection. You cannot make calls using the landline or a cell phone.

The other thing about this software is that you need to have more than a decent piece of hardware. Aside from the connection, having plenty of disk space and RAM is required.

Method 2: Free Landline Calls

Some free VoIP companies are coming up with more innovative approaches. What they do is the following: they ask you to pay a small fee up front. In exchange you get to call long distance for free. They will offer a selection of countries you can choose from.

If you are going to use this service, keep the following in mind. First you need to check the country list first. The second is the fee. Is it an annual fee, or is it one time? These need to be factored in before you pay up.

Other Services

There are other services becoming popular. Some free VoIP let you make calls using the PC or regular phones anywhere for free. The downside is that there is a limit per day or week. If you go over the prescribed free call minutes, you’ll have to pay. These services also have a limited selection of places to call. If you want to try a country not on the list, you have to pay.

Tips and Warnings

• Always remember the following: no matter what service you are using, you’ll have to shoulder the cost of the Internet connection. The money you pay here isn’t actually involved with the calls you make though.
• Always read the software guide first. Read the system requirements. You need to meet or exceed them. At the very least you need a reliable DSL connection. 56k modems won’t be sufficient.
• While there may be those who’ll say that there will never be a free VoIP, there’s no question that it’s cheaper than most calls. As time goes by, the costs will go down even more, or be even free.

System Requirements for Version 1.2

• A computer system that features the operating systems Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
• 400 megahertz processor
• 128 megabytes RAM
• 15 megabytes available space on the hard drive
• Sound card, microphones and speakers
• Broadband or Dial-up Internet connection

System Requirements for Version 2.0

• A computer system that features Windows 2000 or Windows XP
• 1-gigahertz processor
• 512 megabytes RAM
• 30 megabytes available space on the hard drive
• Full duplex sound card, headset
• Broadband, DSL or cable Internet connection
• A video card with a memory of at least 16 megabytes
• A 512/256kbit down/up connection

Instructions

1. Launch the Internet browser and go to the website of Skype.
2. Click the Download Now button. When a window appears with the file named SkySetup.exe, click run to start executing and downloading the program.
3. When the download process was finished, you will see the Skype Setup Wizard program. This program will help you complete the installation of the program. Follow the instructions carefully. Read the terms of service and accept.
4. Click the next button to initiate the installation of the program. The installation will be done in about ten seconds. You will see the Skype icon on the desktop of the program as soon as the program was installed.

Tips and Warnings

• For first time users, do not forget to create an account at Skype to use the service. To make an account, click “Don’t have a Skype name” below the field referring to the username. Fill-up the form and accept the terms and conditions. Click sign in. Read the Getting Started guide to learn how to use the service.
• To make sure that the set up is functioning as desired, check the main window of Skype. Look at the contacts section and double click “test call.” Listen to the sounds of the microphone. If you are satisfied with the set up, you can go back to the main window and start making free calls.

Implementations

What is VOIP? Voice over Internet Protocol (also known as VoIP) refers to a set of technologies used for the delivery or transmission of voice communications through the Internet, packet-switched networks and other IP networks. It is implemented in different ways with the use of both open and proprietary protocols. The different implementations of this system include Skype, H.323 and IMS.

Benefits

The use of Voice over Internet Protocol is very advantageous. The use of this system allows people and corporations to save money because the billing is based on the amount of data transferred through the use of the Internet. Aside from this, VoIP has several interesting and helpful features such as call forwarding, conference calling as well as automatic redial. In addition, this system allows computer users to transfer several calls with the use of different protocols or standards like the Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol. Other services available with this digital communications tool are audio conferencing and video conversation.

Challenges

Before using this system, it is important to know the limitations of Voice over Internet Protocol. One of the challenges or limitations of using the system is that it does not offer Quality of Service guarantees. Aside from these, users can experience congestion of information because data are transmitted in a computer network that commonly implements a fixed bandwidth. To avoid the congestion of data, some companies that use the system employ teletraffic engineering technologies.

To make sure that the use of VoIP will be efficient and fast, it is best to follow protocols that are associated with Physical Layer and Data link Layer such as Quality of Service standards. Aside from these, the other protocols that can be used to ensure efficient transmission of data are SIP RTCP Summary Reports, MGCP extensions as well as H.460.9 Annex B.