To take advantage of Skype, you'll need a computer with a microphone and speakers (all new Macintosh computers have this and many PC laptops do as well) or a relatively inexpensive USB headset (which has a microphone and earpiece). Relatively new Macs also come with a video camera built in, but you can get an inexpensive USB "web cam" for any computer that doesn't have one built in. Go to Skype.com and download the software that is correct for your operating system and hardware (it's free), set up your account, and you are good to go. You can call anyone, but Skype (you) to Skype (your friend) is free. Skype (you) to a non-Skype phone is pretty inexpensive (a few cents a minute) and international calls are pretty cheap.

Another VOIP option is "MagicJack", which costs about $40 for the usb device, but all calls in the U.S. are free, any length, to any phone, for a year. After that, you can get 5 years of free calls for about $60. MagicJack is available at Radio Shack. I've used it for many months and it has long since paid for itself. You'll need DSL for these VOIP services, and for MagicJack, if you have a Mac, it must contain an Intel Core duo chip (which all newish Macs have). I use a MagicJack with a cordless phone, so I am not 'tethered' to the computer when making a call. For best operation, be sure your computer is connected to your modem or router via ethernet cable (rather than via a wireless connection).

(360) 376-4549       

blog: joebayu.blogspot.com

Share