You’ve probably seen the acronym VoIP hanging around the internet like a bad cold, or felt the same menace “this-must-be-some-heavy-geek-stuff” emanating from it like a shadowy figure lurking down a dark alleyway. You shouldn’t be so apprehensive. VoIP is actually a pretty simple phrase to describe a very powerful and useful tool for almost anyone that wants to use it.

So what IS it?

VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol” and is the language in which computers communicate with each other to transmit sounds virtually instantaneously. VoIP is both similar and different from conventional telephone systems. It’s similar in that it allows you to communicate with other people by facilitating calls. And that’s pretty much where the similarities end.

Because VoIP operates from a computer base, it always has to interpret the sounds it receives into a digital format to transmit to the recipient computer. This is not necessarily a bad thing, a lot of unwanted noise that conventional phones pick up is filtered out by the digitizing process (on purpose), leaving a very crisp clear line.

What do I need?

If you are considering trying it out I would highly recommend using a free PC to PC service first, as some people might find that it is not for them. You will need:

- A device to communicate with. This can be as simple as your PC mic and speaker set, a “made-for-VoIP” USB headset, or a fully blown conventional looking phone which plugs into your computer. Prices will range from anything between $10 USD for a headset to $200-$300 USD for a handset. - A VoIP program to make and receive calls.

Install the program, install any software that came with your headset/handset if you bought one, and you’re ready to start making calls. Be aware as this facilitates calls between two (or possibly more) computers, each recipient will need to have the same program you are running in order to receive calls.

So what’s so good about it?

If you haven’t thought about the immediate and obvious answer to this question already, you’ll kick yourself for not thinking about it before I told you. VoIP is either free, or very cheap, in comparison to traditional phone calls. It does depend on the service provider or program you get, so do get sound advice before you sign up with anyone. At the end of this article I’ll provide a link to my site where I review the various providers and services available, allowing you to make a better informed decision.

Most households now have a PC as well as a phone line, yet most people are still paying their phone bill and internet connection bills separately. Phone bills can be dramatically reduced, if not virtually eliminated, with VoIP. However, one word of warning. VoIP currently does not replace a conventional phone when it comes to calling emergency services such as the police or an ambulance. This is because emergency systems are not adequately developed to accept incoming VoIP calls. Beside the fact that in an emergency you might not necessarily have the time to turn on your computer, wait for it to dial up the internet and then place your call!