VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. It’s a general term used to describe voice communications over a packet-switched network (such as the internet). In this article I’m going to touch on the several different ways you can use PC-to-PC VoIP.

Important note: Yes, VoIP obviously includes the ability to communicate via PC-to-phone and vice versa. But that costs money to do that in most instances. PC-to-PC calling is completely free and that’s what I’ll be talking about.

Also note: There are more than 5 ways to VoIP. This is just a quick list.

Skype

Web site: www.skype.com

This is by far the most used PC-to-PC VoIP software that people use. In fact it’s used so much that the name is used as a verb that means "to call" (ex: "We need to talk, I’ll Skype you") much the same way Google means "to search the internet".

Skype also makes for a darn fine text instant messenger as well.

The only bad part about Skype is that it uses a proprietary protocol, meaning you must use Skype software in order to use the service. This is a turn-off for some.

Is there a way to call a Skype user without Skype software on a PC? Yes. There’s Gizmo5’s OpenSky. I haven’t tested this so I don’t even know if it works, so if anybody wants to give that a go, please feel free to do so and comment below if it worked or not (and if it did work, how well did it work?)

Windows Live Messenger

Web site: download.live.com/?sku=messenger

WL Messenger has had the ability to do VoIP for some time now, although most people aren’t aware of it. This is mainly because for whatever weird reason it’s hidden.

I’ve found the easiest way to access the feature is to open the messenger, press ALT on your keyboard to bring up the top menu, then click Actions, Call, Call a contact’s computer, like this:

From there you can place a call to another WL messenger contact on your list.

Yahoo! Messenger

Web site: messenger.yahoo.com

Calling another contact on your list is easy in Y! Messenger. Just right-click an online contact and choose to "call" the user’s computer. No fuss, no muss.

Google Talk

Web site: www.google.com/talk

Out of all the software on this list, Google Talk’s is the easiest concerning PC-to-PC calling. It’s as easy as Yahoo’s way of doing it but has the advantage of being very light on system resources. As a VoIP client, it’s tough to beat how straightforward and simple Google Talk is.

Ekiga

Web site: ekiga.org

Linux users are familiar with this one, but bear in mind there is a Windows version also.

Be sure to read Ekiga Interoperability as it explains what will and won’t work with Ekiga on phones, Mac and Windows.

What’s the best of the lot?

Skype, no question.

Why is it the best?

1. It will work easily on Windows, Mac or Linux.
2. It has the most recognition as a solid PC-to-PC software voice client.
3. It’s the easiest to do small voice conferencing with (meaning 6 participants or lower before the connection chokes).
4. The software runs well even on lower-end PCs and Macs.
5. For what it offers for free, it’s extensive and moreover useful.

Do you use VoIP at all? If so, what’s your favorite VoIP software client?

Write a comment or two and let us know.

To those who have ever used Skype, Yahoo! Messenger voice chat, Ventrilo, TeamSpeak or any other over-the-internet method of peer-to-peer voice communication, you’ve noticed the quality of sound is far superior to land-line and wireless/cell phones.

Why is this?

There are actually a few good reasons.

First, some explanation.

Continued

If you make a lot of long distance calls from home, rather than using up your cell phone minutes or waiting for the evening/weekend (where the minutes may not count), consider using the ultra cheap option: Skype. At the time of this writing, unlimited calling with the US and Canada are under $3 per month.

One of the great benefits of Skype is you can use your account from any machine connected to the Internet, so you can make calls from anywhere. I touched on using Skype in my working from home article as this is what I have been using since I started. The call quality is extremely clear and (knock on wood) the service never goes down. Additionally, you can add an external number (so people can call you) for $5-6 per month.

In my opinion you can’t beat the price when you compare to other VOIP services (such as Vonage), adding on to your cell plan or subscribing from your local phone company (compare $20+ per month to under $8-9). Additionally, you can get a phone number in any US area code (and over 20 countries around the World), so that when people call you, it could merely be a local call for them (ideal if you just moved or are working remotely for a company based in a different city).

Regardless, the Skype program is an absolute deal for long distance calling and would highly recommend it over just about any other option.