Voice Over IP (VOIP)

Thanx to an online friend Sarah (U.K.) I have been urged to aquaint myself with Voip. Whats Voip? This is the process of using your Computer to make phone calls over the Internet at free or greatly reduced costs. We all want to save money.... yes?

Taking the VOIP Ride

First things first. Sarah put me onto Skype VOIP I have also seen references to Firefly an Australian owned company in Melbourne, though I never got around to investigating Firefly further. Essentially you Register with either Skype or Firefly and download a small piece of software to install on your computer. Skype download is available for windows, MAC and Linux operating sytems.Firefly is only available for windows at the time of writing this. Visit the site from the above Links to sign up and download the software.

What will I need?

A Computer with a sound card (most do lol) a headset, you can pick up a decent one for under $30 au, really good ones cost around $100 au. The software as above. Have friends or family that have all of the above as well lol!

Is VOIP Free?

Yes both of the above services offer free VOIP if you and the person you want to call have Registered and downloaded the above software eg. If you have Firefly you can call a friend who has Firefly same with Skype to Skype. I have both Firefly and Skype, they appear to be the most popular at this stage.

I want to make Calls to a Landline!!!

Yes you can though this does cost money, the costs are greatly reduced when making calls over VOIP. Check out the above sites for the latest charges. Note: Firefly does have 3 payment options, Direct Deposit from your bank account to theirs, Credit Card and even Paypal for Australian Users. Skype only has Credit Card Payment and is based overseas, I will only ever use Skypes' Free Service and Use Firefly for any Landline calls. Remember they both offer free services if calling someone else who is registered and has the software!

Can you have a Phone type Handset?

Yes you can, check out the above web sites for all the Info you need. They also offer a voice message bank for missed calls, when you are not at your Computer or not Online.

Things to Know

Firefly VOIP phone numbers start with an 8 and are 8 digits long, Skype uses a login name. Make sure your PC is up to the job when installing the software, you dont need the latest you beaut $5000 Computer but there is minimum specs to install the software. Voip Services are ideally suited to ADSL Broadband, although I believe it will work with Dial up. Check prospective web sites for more Info. Hope this Introduction to Voip has been useful. Start saving Money NOW!!!

If you have any tips or info you would like me too add or pass on through this website don't hesistate to Contact Us.

Disclaimer: Although I will endeavour to check all information is valid and above board I won't be held responsible for any links, programmes, or third party affiliate services that I have no control over !