Overseas telephone calls incur a cost from the telephone company providing the service. Avoid costly charges by sidestepping the telephone company altogether and making a call overseas using a computer. Internet access is required as well as a computer connected to, or installed with, a microphone for talking and speakers for listening. A free software "telephone" program downloaded from the Internet is necessary; several are available at no cost that let you call another person via the computer.
Instructions
1. Download a VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) audio program to the desktop. Double-click the file to begin the installation procedure.
2. Follow the prompts on the installation screens to configure the program for the computer it is to be used on; if a user name and password is required, apply for these on the program's website prior to installing the program and then enter the information in the appropriate text fields.
3. Continue to follow the prompts until the program has finished installing. Quit the installer and restart the computer.
4. Click "Start," followed by "All Applications," followed by the name of the VoIP program. If a login is required, enter the required information in the appropriate text fields.
5. Click the "Test Call" or "Test" button on the program's main screen. Press the "Call" button or "Make Call" button -- depending on the program -- to initiate a call. Press the "Disconnect" or "Hang up" button -- depending on the program -- to turn the call off once you hear a recording that confirms that your computer system and the program are integrated together.
6. Click the "Add Account" or "Add Number" button or tab -- depending on the program -- to bring up a window. Enter the name and number of a person overseas who you want to call in the appropriate text fields; the person must have given you his number and also have a VoIP program on his computer. Click the "Add" or "OK" button -- depending on the program -- at the bottom of the window to close the window.
7. Click the "Contact" or "Address Book" button or tab -- depending on the program -- to bring up a window with the name and number of the person to call.
8. Press the "Call" button or "Make Call" button to initiate a call to the person overseas. Talk to the person when you hear his voice. Press the "Disconnect" or "Hang up" button to turn the call off once you are done talking to the person.
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