A headset is the only piece of external equipment necessary for making phone calls from a computer.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is gaining popularity as an effective and affordable method of communication. VoIP users can place calls from their computer to other VoIP users, cellular phones and landlines. The prices are often much cheaper as well, even for long-distance and international calls. Many users particularly enjoy the fact that most VoIP services are prepaid and do not require a monthly plan to sustain.
Instructions
1. Load your VoIP software. Currently, the most popular option is Skype, which is a standalone desktop application that supports instant messaging, voice and video messaging and phone calls. Upon loading Skype, you will be prompted to create a user account and add prepaid funds to make phone calls.
2. Plug the headset into the computer. Headsets typically come with either a USB plug or two 1/8 inch plugs: one for the headphones and one for the microphone. If the headset has a USB plug, plug it into an available USB port on the computer and wait a few moments for the operating system to recognize it. If the headset has two 1/8 inch plugs, insert the plug with a headphone icon into the headphone jack of the sound card and the plug with the microphone icon into the microphone jack. If you are running an old operating system, you may need to access its audio properties to manually route the audio through the headset.
3. Make a test call to ensure that the headset is working properly. In Skype, a test call can be made by double clicking "Skype Test Call" in the contact list. You should hear a voice that prompts you to speak a test message into the microphone and when you do, your message will be played back to you. If you do not hear the voice or your message is not played back to you, access the audio settings by clicking on the "Tools" menu and then on "Options". There will a tab labeled "Audio Settings" that enables you to test and troubleshoot the audio.
4. Make a call to a cell phone by clicking on "Call phones", entering the phone number, and clicking "Call". During the call, the Skype window will display the balance of your funds so that you can monitor how much the call is costing. When you have completed the call, simply click on "End Call".
Tags: phone calls, access audio, calls from, clicking Call, hear voice