Hello, I have posted this in a new topic as i am not sure what it should COME under and this is my first post. my query is in relation to making and receiving calls from my computer. is it possible using a computer with broadband connection to make and receive phone calls from mobiles and land lines (the equivalent to a house phone). do i need to use VoIP and purchase hardware as well as software. if so what are some recommendations. i hope i am making myself clear if not leave a message and i will add more detail. Much thanks to all and i hope that this helps not just me but others.

Thank you,
Morpheus_13I do belive msn has the abilty to call land lines....

Skype is one option, and a good one. I've seen it demo'd and know some people who use it and like it.

I use Yahoo Messenger's PC-to-phone feature to do this. So far, I've only used it for outgoing calls, but I can set up a special number to receive incoming calls and I think I'm going to do so soon.

Hardware requirements? Just a microphone, or a headphone unit that provides both mic and ear piece. I just use a mic and listen via my regular speakers. This works fine if I don't GET too close to the speakers; that can cause some UNDESIRED feedback to the other party. Personally, I like Skype.
Remember though, that it costs money to make calls to landlines or mobiles (anything other than Skype).
Also, it will not replace your house phone, in the UK at least you need a landline to call emergency 999.Yes, it does cost money if calling a landline or cell phone but not as much as regular landline long distance calls, at least here in the U.S. It save me some money; that's what I like about it.

And, like in the UK, such services as Skype or Yahoo Messenger can not be used to call 911 in the U.S.Good afternoon
You may want to remember this:
VoIP services, most of them, cannot call 911 unless they have an e911 service, and the emergency service station near you also has e911.

A service that I haven't used, but that I have read a lot about is Vonage, which, has, I think, a VoIP service for your computer, as well as phone line. www.vonage.com
You may consider services like Vonage more practical for personal use. Hi! A couple of months ago I was planning on switching to a computer phone too but when I was speaking with the rep who was using this type of phone, her voice sounded very WOBBLY like she was speaking underwater. I probably should have APPROACHED other companies but have decided to wait for now.Quote from: computerhelppls on September 17, 2007, 07:17:29 PM

Hi! A couple of months ago I was planning on switching to a computer phone too but when I was speaking with the rep who was using this type of phone, her voice sounded very wobbly like she was speaking underwater. I probably should have approached other companies but have decided to wait for now.