using the computer as a phone........
 

fairly straight forward question really, i know the p.c. can be used as a phone however can it conect to another phone or is it just p.c. to p.c. with the correct software for both systems

the reason i ask is i was thinking of upgrading all of the relatives p.c.`s before we live in oz, as a sort of going away pressie

cheers steve

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

You can use Skype from pc to pc - both have to have it and need 2000 or XP and it's free (apart from your broadband or dial up charge of course. If you have Skype(the other one, can't remember the name sorry) you can call a land line from your pc very cheaply. Skype is a free download, all you need to get as a going away pressie would be a web cam with microphone or a web cam and a hand set with a USB connection thing.

Just checked - PC to landline - SkypeOut

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

As per the other poster, you can use Skype PC to Phone (SkypeOut) costs about 1-3p a minute anywhere in the world. Is quite ok.

Another one to consider is Callserve Internet Telephone.

I have used, and still use both.

Any queries, PM me.
:)
Alex

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

Ahermmm.....It's actually about 1p (after tax) for North America/Canada, Australia/NZ, and Europe (and maybe some other minor regions) and it can vary for all other regions of the world.

For example, it's about 13p (after tax) to call Mauritius from the UK.

You need to consult the "SkypeOut" call costing chart on their website to get an exact charge.

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

thanks all its a long way off yet but i will certainly look into it

my phone company is charging about 5p per min at the mo

cheers steve

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

Or you could use msn messenger. Its free! Or (and I know this is a
long shot) you could use http://www.echolink.org/. However you and your
relatives would have to become licensed Ham radio operators. Very good
piece of software. It is quite easy to pass a test to sit your basics in
Amateur radio. Like I say, I know you probably wont be too interested in
something like this, but if you were, it is very good FREE communication
software.

"hoops" <member32510@british_expats.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected] m...
    >> Ahermmm.....It's actually about 1p (after tax) for North
    >> America/Canada, Australia/NZ, and Europe (and maybe some other minor
    >> regions) and it can vary for all other regions of the world.
    >> For example, it's about 13p (after tax) to call Mauritius from the UK.
    >> You need to consult the "SkypeOut" call costing chart on their website
    >> to get an exact charge.
    > thanks all its a long way off yet but i will certainly look into it
    > my phone company is charging about 5p per min at the mo
    > cheers steve
    > --
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

yes i did know about messenger however i was not sure about the quality over such a long distance,

and i thought a dedicated telephoney service would be better

steve

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

We have used Messenger but if the users have different versions installed it can sometimes complicate it. We have relatives in Perth and we use Netmeeting along with the Webcam too.

The quality is just the same as someone living round the corner and you get the same delay as you do over the normal phone line. We have high speed broadband but they don't in Perth but even with them using their dial-up connection its OK and of course its good to see them face to face.........as long as everyone sits still that is ! ! !

They have been out there for just over three years and have had two more children in this time (you must of read on this forum that the TV is crap down there!) so it was and is good to be able to see them.

R

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

CAN YOU GET BROADBAND IN OZ, OH PLEASE TELL ME YES

i didnt even question broadband or the lack of it, we are looking at perth

steve

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

Yes

Alex

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

Story on Broadband in this morns paper.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Alan-Kohl...709429999.html

Also have tried all the voice over internet programs & found a combination of Skype for voice & MSN Messenger for video works best. Skype is also great for transferring large files that are too big to email (make sure you get latest version).
For phone to phone I use http://www.globaldial.com.au 2.5 cents a minute to UK, can also be set up to recognise your home phone number so you don't have to punch in account numbers & passwords.
Cheers

Re: using the computer as a phone........
 

we use MSN Messenger's Webcam and Audio conferencing over a DSL connection
works well considering it absolutely free ... our kid clocks many hours a
week talking back to the g-parents, etc. ... better than any phone ...

"hoops" <member32510@british_expats.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected] m...
    > fairly straight forward question really, i know the p.c. can be used as
    > a phone however can it conect to another phone or is it just p.c. to
    > p.c. with the correct software for both systems
    > the reason i ask is i was thinking of upgrading all of the relatives
    > p.c.`s before we live in oz, as a sort of going away pressie
    > cheers steve
    > --
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com