SoftPhones

SoftPhone applications, in connection with a broadband internet connection, allow you to use your computer as a voip telephone and make free PC to PC phone calls over the internet. Some softphones, like Skype and the Gizmo Project also allow you to use your computer to make calls to normal landline telephones and cell phones at significantly lower call rates.

Once you have downloaded the softphone application to your computer and followed the set-up instructions to install the program you can then begin to start making free calls to other people's PCs or very cheap phone calls to normal phones (if your softphone offers that option). To use a softphone you will need a microphone headset or a USB phone that you can plug into your computer's USB hub. Once you've plugged your phone into your pc you can then click the call button and type in the username or phone number of the person you wish to call. Refer to the softphone's support website if you are unsure how to use the application, or post a question in our forums.

Using a softphone to make calls to normal telephones and cell phones will require you to buy credits from your softphone provider using a credit card or a service like PayPal. These credits work much like a prepaid phone plan and usually do not have a limit as to when you need to use the call credits by. Check your softphone provider's website for more information.

Popular Free SoftPhone Applications:

Skype (see: user reviews)
One of the first mainstream softphone programs. Can also be used to call normal landline phones, make international calls and calls to cell phones at very cheap call rates.

Gizmo Project (see: user reviews)
A competitor to Skype, Gizmo allows free pc to pc calls aswell as call landline phones and cell phones at lower call rates than your home telephone.

SightSpeed (see: user reviews)
A powerful program which allows you to make voice and video calls to other SightSpeed users for free. Video calls require a webcam.