What Do I Need To Use VOIP?
If you’re not sure if VoIP is something for you, then try it out without any charge. If you have a headset and a sound card you can download VoIP software and call anyone anywhere. Skype, Free World Dialup and Net2Phone are some of the popular names you might want to consider. These ‘soft phones’ are user-friendly and they charge you nothing as long as you don’t call a cell phone or landline.
When choosing for VoIP you have a number of options when it comes down to the type of phone you wish to use. You can use a headset, Internet phone or an ATA. Internet phones resemble real phones. Some have number pads, ring like real phones and they are used in the same way. In order to use these ‘soft phones’ you also need VoIP software. The phones are to be plugged in the USB port or sound card.
The ATA gives you the opportunity to connect your traditional phone to your modem. Most VoIP providers will give you the ATA free of charge when you sign up. It connects to a broadband DSL or cable modem. When using an ATA you don’t need a computer to make phone calls. The ATA isn’t only handy because it’s easy to use – you simply pick up your phone and dial – but you can take it with you anywhere, connect it to a modem and make phone calls wherever you are. Calls will be redirected to your ATA with no extra charge.
You may also choose an IP phone. IP phones are plugged into the modem (Internet phones are plugged into USB ports or sound cards). The IP phone has integrated hardware and software. All your numbers can be stored in the phone and it has features like caller ID.