| Advancement in computer technology continues | | | | other computers.. Depending on your service |
| to grow. It seems that as soon as you | | | | provider, you may also use Voice over IP with |
| understand and become comfortable with | | | | wireless connections. There are different methods |
| particular software and/or service a new and | | | | available for using Voice over IP such as making |
| improved version appears on the horizon of | | | | calls directly from your computer, using a special |
| technology. Most people are familiar with instant | | | | Voice over IP phone, or even using a traditional |
| messaging and enjoy talking instantly with their | | | | phone with a Voice over IP adaptor. |
| friends and family with their personal computer | | | | In order to use this service you will need access |
| (PC). The newest advancement that combines | | | | to high speed Internet (broadband connection). If |
| instant messaging with your phone service known | | | | you use an adaptor, you will then connect your |
| as Voice over IP (Voice over Internet Protocol), is | | | | traditional telephone to the adaptor or you can |
| the latest advancement in Internet technologies. | | | | connect a microphone and speaker to your |
| What exactly is this and how does it benefit you? | | | | computer and use the service. The price of the |
| Voice over IP is a technology that provides you | | | | service depends on several factors including which |
| with the ability to make telephone calls using your | | | | provider you choose for your service, the type |
| current broadband Internet connection. There are | | | | of plan you decide upon, and whether you intend |
| several different services available. Some allow | | | | to make International calls. |
| you to call only those with the same service as | | | | If you decide upon Voice over IP service, |
| yours, others allow you to call anyone with a | | | | consider what you will do in the event of a power |
| telephone number even if it is a cell phone. | | | | outage. Check to see if your provider offers a |
| Services also differ in that some work with your | | | | backup plan in case of such events. In addition, |
| phone and a special adapter and others over your | | | | can you contact 9-1-1- with the plan you choose. |
| computer with a special Voice over IP adaptor. | | | | Some providers combine their instant messages |
| The way Voice over IP functions is that it takes | | | | with Voice over IP service that will display a |
| your voice signal as it travels through your | | | | phone pad in the instant messaging window, allow |
| computer (the Internet) and changes it to a signal | | | | you to manage the calls that you make and |
| that the computer recognizes. This is what allows | | | | receive, and more. |
| you to make calls from your traditional phone to | | | | |