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Posted by on Nov 1, 2008 in Everything Else, Lists, Technology | 32 comments

28 Ways To Make Calls Using Your Computer – Part 1 [List]

As some of you know, I currently have a husband who is deployed overseas. I’ve been searching for the best way to make calls to him from the computer. From what I’m told, it costs at least $3/minute to make a call from overseas to the U.S. if you have a cell phone that actually works over there. Calling cards are nice, but they often get used up fast. Instant messaging is also nice, but in my opinion nothing compares to hearing the sound of my husband’s voice!

Luckily, there are a lot of different ways to make calls & have voice chats online as well as regular text chats. So, I’ve done a little searching and have chosen 28 great tools that anyone can use to make calls using their computer. The majority require you to have an Internet connection as well. Since this list is very long I’ve decided to divide in half; I’m posting 14 today and will post the other 14 tomorrow.

Magic Jack

Just plug any household phone into the MagicJack and then plug the MagicJack into any USB port on your computer. That’s it, you can now make & receive calls to anywhere in the world. Once you buy the actual MagicJack piece that goes into your computer, most calls are free. I know someone who has this & I have used it myself so I know just how great this little gadget is! Of course, there’s always going to be mixed reviews & different experiences so your best bet is to test it out yourself.

Skype

Most people have at least heard of Skype once in their life. Skype is an instant messenger kind of like Yahoo Messenger that lets you talk over the Internet to anyone in the world for free. New features are constantly being added plus there are lots of tools & tips to make your Skype even better.

Yahoo! Voice

  • Use Phone Out to call landlines and mobile phones with great prices and clarity.
  • Get a phone number for your computer.
  • Free PC-to-PC calls.

Google Talk

  • Free PC-to-PC voice calls – You can talk to anyone else for free who’s online and has the Google Talk client.
  • Send and receive voice mail – If the person you’re calling isn’t available, you can leave a voice mail.

MSN Messenger

Speak your mind: Have a high-quality voice conversation using PC-to-PC Calling. You and the person you call will need to have Messenger installed, and compatible microphones and speakers or a headset for it to be FREE.

TringMe

I already talked about TringMe a few weeks back here, so I won’t go into it but it’s a great little tool for making calls & even better for receiving voice mail messages.

PalTalk

  • Enjoy thousands of live video chat rooms and dozens of regularly scheduled video chat shows.
  • Make free Video calls with up to 10 friends on Paltalk, AIM, ICQ and Yahoo Messenger.
  • PC-to-Phone calls using an on-screen keypad to make it easier to dial your friends and family.

http://blog.paltalk.com/paltalkblog/2008/08/paltalkscene-v95-beta-is-here.html

PaltalkScene v9.5 beta is here! – PaltalkBlog via kwout

PC-Telephone

This is a very basic PC telephone that is packaged as a self-extracting setup file. To install PC-Telephone on your computer run PC-Telephone.exe setup file and follow the instructions.

BuddyTalk

BuddyTalk is the ultimate Internet voice communication tool for staying in touch with all of your friends/family, classmates or coworkers while you’re online. You can make PC to phone and PC to PC calls.

EvaPhone

EvaPhone provides Internet telephone calls for free. Their site offers free VoIP call solutions: free VoIP service lets you make PC-to-phone free international calls. All you need is a computer to start making free VoIP calls using Internet to phone.

http://evaphone.com/

Free International Calls & Free VoIP Service. Internet phone calls. via kwout

Net2Phone

Net2Phone is one of the pioneers of Internet communication, serving hundreds of thousands of customers around the world. Unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico for only $24 a month!

  • 13 free features – VoiceMail, Call Waiting, Caller ID and more.
  • Low international calling rates to over 250 locations.
  • Keep your phone number — port it to VoiceLine.
  • Free telephone adapter.
  • No activation fee.
  • Online account center.

JaJah

Make a JAJAH call anywhere – on your mobile or landline phone to save money and keep in touch with friends and family. It connects you using your existing phone. No contract, no software, no headset. Easy to use, so start saving right now.

YouTring

Enjoy PC to PC calls for free and PC to phone calls at extremely low rates. With YouTring, you will never have to worry about bad reception or interrupted phone calls; they bring to you the best in free VoIP technology.

http://www.youtring.com/Phone.aspx

PC to Phone Calls – Free PC to PC Calls – Cheap International Calls via kwout

iConnectHere

Call from your computer to any phone worldwide for the lowest rates.

  • Variety of calling plan.
  • Free PC Phone dialer.
  • $5 signup Bonus.

If you have used or currently use any of these, please feel free to share your thoughts. Of course you’re always welcome to add your own picks in a comment as well!

This post is part 1 of a 2-part series; click for part 2 of 28 Ways To Make Calls Using Your Computer.

[tags]pc to pc calling, call from pc, pc to phone, magic jack, telephony, phone call, voip, free calls, call online, internet phone, computer phone[/tags]

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  • http://decolornaranja.wordpress.com/ Oscar Antonio Moralí Torres

    Great List!

    I mainly use Jajah, but when it’s time for videocallings then Skype is the king.

    Cheers!

    Oscar Antonio Moralí Torres´s latest blog post..OtherInbox, CASO DE ÉXITO EN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

  • Tertius

    This is an awesome list!!

    I personally am on good ol’ skype with unlimited minutes in the U.S., Canada & Mexico. Costs me $5.95 every three months. Pretty good deal in my book.

    That also entitles me to only pay $30 a year for a skype number! :)

  • http://chachafance.info ChaCha Fance

    Thanks. :) I’m set on getting the Magic Jack I think….. $19.95/year and free unlimited calling including long distance, can’t beat that.

  • http://kellyvbrown.com Kelly

    This is an absolutely great post. I’m bookmarking it so I can find it easily when I need it. Thanks!

  • http://chachafance.info ChaCha Fance

    Thanks Kelly :)

  • Sakib

    that’s an awesome posts and lots of services with great quality. i’m trying to gather some new service.

  • Tonya

    I have been using Voxofon. Switched from Skype. It’s new and you can tell cause they have the most up to date ways to call. I use it on my laptop and my iPhone to call my little brother in Germany. You get 30 minutes free and those minutes go long way…trust me. Your list has much info though–thank you for posting!

  • http://chachafance.info ChaCha Fance

    Thanks Sakib :)

  • http://chachafance.info ChaCha Fance

    Thanks for sharing Tonya, I’ll definitely check that one out! I’m still shopping around for the best option!

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  • Linga

    Hey,
    I enjoy using Google Talk but when comes to voice skype is absolutely the best. I am hoping to see the rest.

    Cheer

  • http://www.quickconnect.com Computer Repair Lincoln Ne

    Magic Jack has always looked interesting just seemed too good to be true. Now with Skype and Google Voice and other VOIP software its giving these hardware dependant solutions a run for their money.

    Computer Repair Lincoln NE

  • http://www.adwareremovertool.com brenton @ adware remover tool

    Thanks for the interesting list. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
    .-= brenton @ adware remover tool´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.

  • http://www.toldtwice.com txt message

    That’s cool but can the receiver call back?

    • admin

      Yes on most they can :)

  • http://www.sellmobilesforcash.co.uk karla@sell old phones

    I have been spending a lot of money for an overseas call, and I felt so bad with my expenses. But with this informative post, it definitely helps me out to save money.

  • MAYUR

    thats a great list…. BUT WILL BE GLAD TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FREE CALLING OR THE CHEAPEST CALLS TO OMAN.. I HAVE WASTED A LOT OF MONEY OVER THAT.. CANT AFFORD ANY MORE..

  • Jackston

    I am using Axvoice Voip Service and very happy with their results.

  • http://www.messiphone.com messi voip phone

    Great list of voip companies that will allow to make free international calls over internet to normal telephone numbers. You only need to download

  • Clora Altonen

    bookmarked =)

  • http://www.3f3.com العاب

    Thank very much for these great tools, I almost used most of them and there are a new one called spekko, it’s another great tool and recommended.

  • http://www.computergeekrepair.com Devon H

    I love it when the information is clear. Straight to the point, thanks

  • http://www.fridgefreezerslab.com Fridge Freezers ·

    internet phones these days have very powerful and nice features, i bet they would add some more value added features in the fut ”

  • http://formatmycomputer.com/ Computer Guy

    One point that I think is missing about google talk/voice is the ability to send SMS messages for free. And the api is awesome if you are developing.

  • http://miotaczegazowe.pl Gaz Pieprzowy

    I used to use MagicJack and I have to say that there are other and better ways to use a computer to make phonecalls.

    - Gaz

  • Sean Cavanaugh

    ChaCha Fance,

    Regarding the Majic Jack you stated, “I know someone who has this & I have used it myself so I know just how great this little gadget is!”

    I have to agree with you about three years ago one of my clients (I own a painting business) had just bought the Majic Jack. They were so pleased I decided to give it a shot. Wow, it works great and saves me a ton. I was spending over $100 per month on my home phone bill.

    I am still amazed when the phone companies and cable companies continue to call and mail offers for home phone service. With the number of free to virtually free options there really is no reason with todays technology to ever pay for home phone service again.

    Sean
    Webmaster: gouttreatmenttip.com
    Gout Treatment

  • http://www.raisingrabbitsebook.com/ Meat Rabbits

    This is a great resource that you are providing. I have got lots of information from here. Continue posting more informative and interesting posts. Thanks!

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  • johson

    hello nice girl how are you ?

  • KanitikGreen
  • http://chachafance.info/ chachafance

    Good and you?

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  • loula

    That’s a very good write up. It’s amazing how technology can change so quickly, and how useful it can be. VOIP for mobile is becoming more standard now as businesses are taking advantage of cheaper rates

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