| In today's home and business life, we need to | | | | web servers like MSN and Yahoo that have a |
| communicate with many people who are far away. | | | | messenger service that you can download onto your |
| Using a regular telephone will get you a huge bill with | | | | computer. They allow you to send instant messages, |
| the long distance charges. Even a cell phone can be | | | | picture, and files. They can also allow you to turn |
| inadequate for all your long distance needs. The cell | | | | your PC into a video phone with the use of a web |
| phone can cut you off or go to roaming. This can | | | | camera. All you have to do is contact the person you |
| make phone calls expensive and frustrating for both | | | | want to speak with, and then invite them to view |
| parties on the line. | | | | your camera. After that is set, there is a button that |
| There are different ways to make phone calls or | | | | allows you to speak to them directly. Then viola, you |
| have live conversations with someone on the | | | | have a videophone. |
| Internet. There are web sites that are set up like a | | | | There is also voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). |
| regular phone service with all the same amenities. | | | | With this technology you can make a call from |
| These phones services can come with a charge | | | | anywhere there is a broadband connection. So |
| depending on the features and usage. They can have | | | | business travelers can take their phones with them |
| things like call waiting, three way calling, and voice | | | | on trips and always have access to their home |
| mail. | | | | phones. Another alternative is the soft phone. A soft |
| This is a good option for people who need to do a | | | | phone is software that loads the VoIP service onto |
| large part of their business on the phone and want a | | | | your desktop or laptop. It has an interface that looks |
| reliable and inexpensive way to do it. | | | | like a traditional phone. As long as you have a |
| There are programs and hardware you can add to | | | | headset or microphone, you can make call from |
| your computer to turn it into a phone. There is | | | | anywhere you can get a broadband connection. |
| telephony software that will give you access to the | | | | These advancements in phone calling technology may |
| phone system. You also need to have a microphone | | | | one day make the landline phones a thing of the |
| and speakers or a headset before making calls. There | | | | past. 30 years ago it would have been amazing to |
| are wireless headsets available so you are not tied to | | | | make a phone call from anywhere but your home or |
| your computer. | | | | public pay phone. Now you can go anywhere and do |
| You can have live conversations through the use of | | | | anything and still have the ability to communicate with |
| web based messenger services. There are many | | | | anyone you choose. |