Software for Microphone for internet gaming and phone calls

[Londoner]

Hi, not sure if this is the right forum or not, but here goes. Please direct me to the right one if not.
I have just bought a headset with microphone for some internet gaming, and I just wanted to know what is the best software to use for this and if there is anything else I should know - never done it before.
Secondly, I was told it was possible to actually phone mainline telephone numbers via my computer and, again, I was wondering what software I might need for this.

I am based in the UK.

Best wishes to all, and thanks in advance (cos I know you guys will help, because you always do

Phil.

[doctorgonzo]

Don't know about your first question, but I think that you can use MSN Messenger for that (I stay away from it at all costs, though, so I am not completely sure).

For your second question, yes, you can make calls from your PC using a service like Net2Phone.

[Londoner]

Thankyou for your swift response - i wonder if you might give a few more details as to how that works and whether it is something you find useful, etc. I was imagining that i might completely write off my phone bill by calling from the computer, is that the case?

Why do you steer clear of messenger - or is it gaming you steer clear of?

Best regards.

[doctorgonzo]

I stay clear of Messenger. Like most M$ products, it is buggy, has security holes, and generally takes over the PC whether you use it or not. I always remove it.

Perhaps Yahoo Messenger may also have this capability. I do not use messaging in this way, though.

It is certainly possible to disconnect your phone bill and make all of your calls over the Internet. I do it myself, although I use a service (Vonage) that works with normal telephones instead of requiring a PC. It probably isn't a good solution for you, unless you want an American telephone number. But check around for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions and you should find something that will work in the U.K.

[colbell]

Certain games come with inbuilt voice capabilities, so all you need to do is fire up the game, bind a key to "voice communication" and voila!
There are other programs available for general use, but seem to be used mostly with games, these being Roger Wilco, Teamspeak, and ventrilo. All these are server based, you join a server andyou are able to speak to people on that same server.
I've been lucky(?) enough to use all three, and the better one I found was Ventrilo.
The other item available is the Microsoft gamevoice unit, never used it, so I can't comment on that one.

Hope this helps.

[ffish]

There is a roundup of free Internet Phone softwares at
www.iphone.shows.it

iconnecthere.com is a good choice.