Internet Phone

[slippery when wet]

Hi All.

I have been advised to set up an internet phone but have no idea how it works and how I get connected.

Can any one explain in simple terms how I could get it and basic usage guidelines.

Thanks from a computer novice.

Thanks slippery......

[Farma]

I use callserve. I downloaded the program and registered with them online. An email came back with my log in details and password.

It’s been a few years so things may have changed. I think I bought points with my credit card during sign up. Whenever my credit gets low a screen pops up asking if I want to purchase more credit.

You open the program, a screen like a phonepad appears, log in, dial the number you want including the country code and it acts like a normal phone.

I use my headset and another option is a handheld phone that plugs into your computer.

There are other services offering the same. Depending on your internet connection and th internet in general you can gets times when the line is crystal clear an others when its not worth using.

If you change harddrives, reformat your computer etc you go to their website and send a note telling them the problem. Within a minute you will have a reply with your log in details and new password.

[udon]

Try www.skype.com first. It's free, PC 2 PC.

All you need is a $5 desktop mic or a cheap headset to get going.

[slippery when wet]

I really want to phone uk home phone to uk home phone and are trying to reduce the cost of calls plus eradicate the cost of line rental. Also as my wife is Thai would like some calls uk home phone to Thai home and mobile.

Is this the system that I should be looking at?

Thanks slippery......

[Farma]

Skype and Callserve are PC to Phone programs. Skype also allows free PC to PC communication.

In some countries you can dial a prefix that will allow you cheap access to a service that utilises internet lines as a phone line between phones. I think this is the system you are looking for.

In Australia for example you go to the local video rental shop, pay for a voucher or card that will give you a receipt number and phone number. You dial that phone number, type in your receipt number then the home phone number you want to call. The calls are very cheap.

I'm unsure of what phone to phone systems are available in the UK. This system is available in many countries and I can't see why it shouldn't be available in the UK.

Maybe one of the Brit members can point you in the right direction. Another option would be look in the tourist areas as this type service would be advertised there. Look for posters advertising cheap phone calls and showing national flags.

Here is a link to a UK student website giving details on making cheap overseas calls using this system. http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Life/Telephon...ternational.htm

[astral]

Net2Phone is another option.

Easier to pay the bill than SKYPE, who will not accep my credit cards.

Net2Phone does not have such stupid restrictions.

[meadish_sweetball]

I assume you have tried to contact Skype customer service about this already?

Otherwise they might block certain cards unless the user can prove his identity. Some companies work like that.

[Farma]

I assume you have tried to contact Skype customer service about this already?

Otherwise they might block certain cards unless the user can prove his identity. Some companies work like that.

I think astral is in the same boat as me. Certain companies won't accept UK cards being used online from connections in the Middle East and some other countries.

[astral]

I assume you have tried to contact Skype customer service about this already?

Otherwise they might block certain cards unless the user can prove his identity. Some companies work like that.

Yes I have contacted them and all I get is the run around.

They tell me my bank is rejecting the transaction,

but when I ask the bank they say they never received the transaction.

I know my bank does authorise internet transactions as I do them from time to time

with other companies.

These problems are not limited to Skype. I have several pieces of shareware that I would

love to pay for but these little American companies that accept the payments simply do not

like my UK cards.

[libya 115]

I was wandering around Tuk Com in Pattaya and I saw a phone handset especially designed for Skype: How does that work...via USB with software? Now I just use a headset with mic.

Plus; although I used to use Skype-Out a lot, it suddenly stopped working ie. My voice was not heard yet I could hear 'them'.

I was thinking of downloading the brand new Skype software, but have forgotten my name and password.

Any suggestions?

[JimsKnight]

I assume you have tried to contact Skype customer service about this already?

Otherwise they might block certain cards unless the user can prove his identity. Some companies work like that.

Yes I have contacted them and all I get is the run around.

They tell me my bank is rejecting the transaction,

but when I ask the bank they say they never received the transaction.

I know my bank does authorise internet transactions as I do them from time to time

with other companies.

These problems are not limited to Skype. I have several pieces of shareware that I would

love to pay for but these little American companies that accept the payments simply do not

like my UK cards.

Wierd I've used my uk visa card in thailand for skype credit and no problems!

Guess it must be a really recent thing!

[astral]

What is the billing address for your card?

A UK one??

Mine is Thailand and they do not like that!!