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Q: What equipment do I need to use a Net phone?
A: Your computer must have an audio card or chip. If your computer can play sounds (most
computers can) it has the right hardware. You will also need a microphone. Computer microphones cost around
$10. Finally, you will need to download some Net
phone software.
Q: Can I call a telephone or cell phone with a Net phone?
A: Yes, as long as the Net phone software you use offers a service that lets you dial
regular telephone numbers. These services usually require a per-minute charge, even for local calls.
Q: Are long-distance calls cheaper over a Net phone?
A: Sometimes. You should look for a rate card at the Web site of your Net phone software.
Compare the rates to other Net phones as well as to calling cards. A good rate for the U.S.A. and Western Europe
is about two cents per minute.
Q: Is the audio quality as good as with a traditional phone?
A: In most cases, yes. If you have a broadband connection over 256Kbps, the quality of
the call should be very good. However, if you are also Web surfing, downloading, or using your connection
in other ways while talking, you may get lag on the call, where voices will stutter or jitter.
Q: Can I use a Net phone on a dial-up connection?
A: Yes, but the quality may suffer. The less bandwidth you have available, the more likely
voices on both ends will stutter and jitter.
Q: What is VoIP?
A: VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which is the underlying technology that
enables Net phones. With VoIP, the sound of your voice is converted into a digital signal, broken up into
small packets, and sent over the Internet to the person with whom you are carrying on a conversation.
Q: Can someone eavesdrop on my calls?
A: Because your voice gets digitized and broken up into many tiny packets, then sent
over the Internet with everyone else's traffic, it would be very difficult to listen in. However, most
Net phones don't encrypt your voice, which means they can't be considered secure. |
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Save up to $300/year on phone bills
Net Phones Quick Start
