SKYPE AS A PART OF VoIP
(JANUARY 9, 2007)
What is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)?
Also referred to as IP Telephony, Broadband Phone, and Voice Over Broadband.
Basic: digitalization of voice via the Internet with a change back to analog at receiving end; calls sent to IP addresses via packets which may take different paths to finally reach its destination with reassembled product.
Various methods used
Vs. POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)
Originally switches to a dedicated (exclusive) line between parties involved.
Now modernized (fiber optics) switches used with digitalization and compression allowing a connection to handle many calls at the same time.
What are the types of VoIP?
1. PC to PC
Need software, microphone, speakers, headphones or dedicated USB phone
Users must each have same service
Usually free or very low cost and no contract
Use instant messaging software supporting voice communication
Use contact list to place entry or with support calls to landlines and mobile phones enter standard phone number
2. IP phones
RJ45 Ethernet jack that plugs into home network or special modem
Cordless are available
Some allow making calls from WiFi hotspots
PC can be off; only need Internet connection
3. ATA unit
Standard phone analog signals> digital format (required by VoIP)
Connects to home network or VoIP modem then standard phone plugs into unit
Some providers support VoIP identities or services, providing the equivalent of multiple phone lines
Many allow choice of ATA or IP phones
Most common example is Vonnage; others are Qwest, Verizon, ATT
What are Disadvantages of VoIP
911 may not be available; this problem is being addressed http://www.voip911.gov/
Same as with computer use in general e.g. power loss, connection quality, etc
Problems with Cable or Internet service
No directory assistance
What about Skype Unlimited?
Excellent review: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype
Virtual Dialing
For $29.95/ year ($14.95 if sign up prior to Jan 31, 2007)
Challenge to other VoIP services e.g. $300 to $400/ year.
Limited to calls in USA & Canada (have to originate terminate in same countries)
Can retain PC – PC option vs. fee/yr. at 2.1 cents/ minute
Primarily as substitute for regular phone service
In Jan will introduce a dual-mode phone (make calls from home directly over broadband w/o needing to boot up the PC.)
Subscribe at www.skype.com.
The following hint was suggested by Walter Belt during our KK session Jan 9, 2007 re tabs in Internet Explorer 7:
Open Internet Explorer and click "Tools" "Internet Options". By default, the dialog will open to the "General" tab. Near the bottom of this dialog you'll see a section called "Tabs" with a button on the right side with the label "Settings". Click it (Duh!).
The second white "box" from the top will, strangely, be unchecked by default. You'll want to check this box to force IE7 to switch to the new tab you opened by default. That way when you click a link in an email, it will open a tab and IE7 will automatically switch to the new tab, instead of burying it in a line of all other open tabs. That should end the confusion many encounter when clicking links in email and thinking the links don't work.
An even better way, for those of you who often have multiple instances of Internet Explorer open, (and therefore wouldn't even know which of those open Internet Explorer windows would contain the new tab created by clicking a link in an email) look closely at the image above. Near the bottom of the "Tabbed Browsing Dialog" you'll see "Open links from other programs in:" and make sure you tick the circle next to "A new Window". Bingo! Now all your links which you click in Outlook Express will open in a new browser window!