SoftPhone - How to Use One

If you travel alot, if you don't carry a cell phone (for heaven's sake get one!) - you can easily make calls through your PC or Laptop. Most people already know about SoftPhoness application, or have heard about them, but few actually know how to use them! That's where we come in...

What is a SoftPhone

SoftPhone is basically a voip software application that when downloaded, creates a telephone interface that allows you to call out and receive calls directly over your computer.

VoIp, in its infancy, WAS SoftPhone. PC calls to Phones, PC calls to PCs, PC to Cell Phones - all done with a bit of software and your internet connection. Now that VoIP has matured, so to speak, we have options like IP Phones and adapters to make VoIP more like traditional service, but the original SoftPhone application that started it all is still alive and kickin' and used by people all over the world everyday.

To Use a SoftPhone...

You will obviously need a computer with a high speed internet connection, a microphone, a sound card and a set of speakers. To make a call, you just click on the SoftPhone dialpad just like you would your own telephone. Press call button and presto, that's it! You also have the option of storing frequently call numbers that you can access from a list by clicking the name which is very handy. Through your computer's speakers you will hear the phone ring and the ensuing conversation.

To Receive a Call by SoftPhone, you computer will ring as a traditional phone does when a call is incoming. You can program voicemail to answer it, pick it up by clicking the talk button, or ignore it :) Voicemail comes with VoIP by nature, along with caller ID, call waiting and 3 way calling. Some Softphones now offer secure text messaging capabilities as well!

The Limitations

Usually providers set some limitation on the type of calling that can be made from a SoftPhone of theirs. Each provider is different so be sure to ask them before ordering. For instance, I have heard of the following:

• No international calling
• No out of network calling
• Max amount of minutes set per month

Not all of these are true with every providers. Some have no limitations at all, while others have more. Read the terms and conditions carefully before downloading any SoftPhone application.

If you are concerned about the quality of your VoIP calls, read our article on the Uses of VoIP which compares the quality of each. Next time you want to make a call, try SoftPhone. It's the cheapest way to call in the world!

Our VoIP Providers