opinions about skype phone internet service and cost and hardware needed?
Question by brusselsprout: opinions about skype phone internet service and cost and hardware needed?
I′m considering using Skype internet phone service. Would like to hear opinions from users about it, also is there a monthly fee? What kind of hardware do I need to purchase? I understand the software can be downloaded directly from their website. Is this correct?
Best answer:
Answer by Alex
I would definitely not recommend it over a landline. It’s really inexpensive, extremely easy to use and understand, and works well enough. All you would need is a microphone or some sort of headset to speak into. You don’t need any hardware, but fast internet would be recommended(over 3MBPS). You can easily download the software from their site, and unlimited calls for the US are .95 a month. It’s not the best voice quality, but why complain when it is so cheap? I think a better alternative would be “Magic Jack.” It costs about for the actual hardware, and all you do is install it on your computer. It connects to the USB port, and then it allows you to connect your phone line directly to your computer. You get your own number, and you can continue using all of your homes around the home. Magic Jack costs a year, and that is for unlimited calls. The reviews on it are pretty solid, and I would prefer it over Skype. The reason being is that Skype only allows calls over your computer, while you being there. To answer calls you have to physically answer them. Magic Jack works like a regular phone causing the phones to ring in the house. It works over the internet, the same was Skype does. Magic Jack is a bit cheaper ( yearly, monthly for Skype). Be sure your internet can put up with these services, try to get at least 3MBPS. Test your internet speed at: Http://SpeedTest.Net if you are not sure of your internet speed.
Give your answer to this question below!
Well, Skype is not actually a phone service. It allows you to chat, talk and start a video conference with one or more Skype users at the same time, from your computer through the internet. I also allows you to send and receive files from other Skype users. This service is free and has millions of users, so chances are that a relative or friend of yours has already a Skype user name.
The free software for doing all that is available at their site, and you use it as a chat program (you enter the Skype user names of your friends, you select from who you would like to receive calls, you set your online status, etc)
Although you use almost as if it was a telephone, you never dial a number to talk to another Skype user. Many companies use Skype connected to their private telephone switchboard (they use their own technology for that) so you could access them or call them from your free Skype service, still without using Skype as a telephone.
There used to be program available that would allow you to use the same free Skype service from mobile phones, but Skype decided to put that feature in mothball (the first link refers to an article on that)
The Skype program allows other programs and devices to use it, so that you can expand its capabilities. For example, you can connect a USB phone (even a cordless USB phone) or have a free answering machine (I show you an example on the second link, please refer to the basic version)
Now, that said, Skype also offers several services, for a fee. They have a paid voice mail system (that will work even if you turn your computer off) and you can also make or receive calls from the telephone network across the world (they have different rates for that)
If you are interested on using internet telephony itself, you can consider learning about SIP phones (which is a whole topic by itself).
Well, I hope this will be useful to you and that I could enhance an complement the previous answer well.
Enjoy!
Marc