Wednesday, September 16, 2009

VoIP - Pros and Cons

By Joanne Greco

VOIP is short for Voice Over Internet Protocol, what that means is that your phone calls will be made through an internet connection, rather than through standard telephone land lines. Though it's relatively new, many people have decided to switch over to VOIP phone service for a number of reasons.

One of the biggest advantages of VOIP is that no matter where you are, if you can connect to the internet, you can make and receive phone calls. In many cases, service providers will offer a package that allows local calling from anywhere in the world. What this means is that if you call any phone number in your local home phone area, even if you are across the world, it will be charged as a local call. This is the same if anyone in your local home area calls your number, even if you're somewhere else, it's a local call.

Another advantage of VOIP is that most providers include extra features, such as caller ID, call forwarding, 3 way calling and auto redial. These features can be costly with standard phone service. VOIP also works with many instant messaging programs like MSN, Google Talk and Skype. It can also be used for file sharing, video conferencing, voice conferencing and other internet based applications.

VOIP providers often offer unlimited calls to and from your phone number, even if you're calling overseas, which can save you a great deal of money every year. For those who call distant relatives often, VOIP is definitely the way to go.

The biggest disadvantage is that, if you lose your internet connection, your phone will not work. Also, if you have a slow connection or any interference, you can get an echo or dropped calls. VOIP phones need electricity as well, so if your power goes out, so will your phone.

VOIP service is not the most secure way to communicate, because they are sent over the internet, it is possible for someone with the right know how, to listen in on your calls. Another problem is with caller ID, VOIP phones will not show up on the call ID of people you call.

So VOIP might not be something you want to rely on completely, but teamed with something like a prepaid cell phone, it can definitely save you some money on your phone bill.

For more information on VOIP phone services please go to: http://voipphoneservicesonline.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joanne_Greco http://EzineArticles.com/?VoIP---Pros-and-Cons&id=2844487

Disadvantages and Advantages of VOIP

By David Patullo

VOIP (voice over internet protocol) has been making a lot of noise in the market today. It is getting its share of popularity and some say that VOIP may even replace traditional phone services in the future. Like any other form of technology, it is valuable to know the present advantages disadvantages of VOIP.

One of the advantages of VOIP use is its low cost. One who owns a computer and has fast internet connection can make unlimited PC-to-PC calls to anybody anywhere in the world, most for a cheap price and some for free. They are usually very helpful when making overseas calls as such calls can be quite pricey if you use traditional phone lines.

Another advantage of VOIP is that it is portable, as the connection isn't limited to the conventional baseband links. Wi-Fi hotspots have increasingly increased nowadays and they enable portable computers to receive and make calls. With that, a person then just needs to sign-in to his/her VOIP account. This is very efficient if one wants to connect with business partners or a family member while traveling.

There are however, a few disadvantages to using voice over internet protocol at the moment, though they are being addressed. One is that VOIP services, unlike regular phone lines, go down when there is no hint of electricity. So when blackouts occur, VOIP is offline as well. Backup batteries can help, but only for a limited time. Another concern is that most VOIP services cannot be used for emergency calls because internet phones do not have locations. Traditional phones are available on these occasions, as locations for each telephone are fixed, and they do great help when they are needed the most.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Patullo http://EzineArticles.com/?Disadvantages-and-Advantages-of-VOIP&id=2816375

Monday, September 14, 2009

Broadband Phone - Voice Over Internet Telephone Made Cheap & Easy

By Daymon Hoag

Do you want to make cheap Internet phone calls with VoIP,
but are tired of always having to use your computer and
headphones, or possibly your favorite messenger to make
phone calls online? Thought about using a broadband phone
company but not sure what you need or even if your technical
aptitude is up to par with such techie computer gadgets?
You'll be surprised how easy installing broadband phone
service really is.

No, you don't need a degree in rocket science to hook up
your broadband phone service, and after about 5 minutes or
less of plugging in a few cords, you'll be glad you took the
time because broadband phone service is cheap. Dirt cheap!
You'll quite literally save hundreds on your phone bill each
and every year, even if you don't use long distance. Some
broadband phone providers offer unlimited local, plus long
distance for about half of what many traditional phone
companies charge for local phone service alone.

You only need three things to use broadband phone
service: A broadband Internet connection like
cable, or DSL. Just a regular touch tone telephone
like you have now. A broadband telephone adaptor
which normally is supplied with service.

If you have broadband Internet like cable, DSL, satellite,
or even T1, there is no need to worry about the right kind
of Internet connection or who your ISP is because it makes
no difference as long as you have some form of broadband
Internet. Dial-up Internet will not work, and if you're
using dial-up, but are considering saving money with
broadband phone service you might want to do an online price
quote at GetConnected.com for broadband Internet service
since these days it can often times be as cheap or cheaper
than dial-up.

No more headphones, microphones, messengers, software or
even having your computer turned on to make cheap calls over
the Internet! With a broadband phone service plan you can
just pick up your telephone to make and receive telephone
calls the same way you always have. You'll also be able to
take advantage of features like caller ID, voice mail, speed
dialing, auto call back, plus advanced features your
traditional phone company didn't offer, like having voice
mail sent to your e-mail or cell phone, or virtual phone
numbers, even pick your area code so friends and family
don't get a long distance charge for calling you.

Not techie? You don't have to be. Most broadband phone
companies will send you a broadband phone adapter or DTA
that you can install yourself in about five minutes or less.
They even have online diagrams for those who want a visual
interpretation, not to mention tech support. Just a few
snaps of a couple wires, and sometimes a quick phone call
and you're on your way to money saving bliss. Still not
convinced? Then just give that computer geek you know a call
to help you set it up. Once you see it done, it's so easy
you'll never forget.

So why is broadband phone service so cheap? Would it
surprise you to know you're traditional telephone company
has been ripping you off for years? OK, so no big surprise
there, but I'll give you the low down anyway. Turns out
broadband phone, and traditional phone services use the
exact same grid for transferring phone calls. The Internet.
The difference is your traditional phone company has been
charging you to send your calls to that grid, where with
broadband phone service your DTA, or broadband phone adapter
handles that for you and doesn't charge you a dime. You're
truly just paying for the service.

Daymon Hoag is the founder of [http://www.cheapest-service.com]Cheapest Service where you can shop for [http://www.cheapest-service.com/phoneservice/overinternet.html]Over Internet Phone Service

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daymon_Hoag http://EzineArticles.com/?Broadband-Phone---Voice-Over-Internet-Telephone-Made-Cheap-and-Easy&id=368091

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at pawan[[at]]cheap-long-distance-plans.com.

Please replace the [[at]] with @. I did this to foil the spamming robots. I'm sure humans will understand :>)

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Privacy

We have created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm and continuing commitment to the privacy of personal information provided by those visiting and interacting with this web site. We hold the privacy of your personal information in the highest regard. The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices for this website.
We recognize the importance of protecting your privacy and our policy is designed to assist you in understanding how we collect, use and safeguard the personal information you provide to us and to assist you in making informed decisions when using our site. This policy will be continuously assessed against new technologies, business practices and our customers' needs.

What Information Do We Collect?

When you visit this web site you may provide us with two types of information: personal information you knowingly choose to disclose that is collected on an individual basis and Web site use information collected on an aggregate basis as you and others browse our Web site.

1. Personal Information You Choose to Provide:

Registration Information
When you register for any of our products, services or newsletters you will provide us information about yourself.

Credit Card Information
If you choose to avail of our services, you may need to give personal information and authorization to obtain information from various credit services. For example, you may need to provide the following information:
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Email Information
If you choose to correspond with us through email, we may retain the content of your email messages together with your email address and our responses. We provide the same protections for these electronic communications that we employ in the maintenance of information received by mail and telephone.

2. Web Site Use Information

Similar to other commercial Web sites, our Web site utilizes a standard technology called "cookies" (see explanation below, "What Are Cookies?") and web server log files to collect information about how our Web site is used. Information gathered through cookies and Web server logs may include the date and time of visits, the pages viewed, time spent at our Web site, and the Web sites visited just before and just after our Web site.

How Do We Use the Information That You Provide to Us?

Broadly speaking, we use personal information for purposes of administering our business activities, providing the products and services you requested, to process your payment, , to monitor the use of the service, our marketing and promotional efforts and improve our content and service offerings, and customize our site's content, layout, services and for other lawful purposes. These uses improve our site and better tailor it to meet your needs.

Furthermore, such information may be shared with others on an aggregate basis. Personally identifiable information or business information will not be shared with parties except as required by law.

Occasionally, we may also use the information we collect to notify you about important changes to our Website, new services, and special offers we think you will find valuable. You may notify us at any time if you do not wish to receive these offers by emailing us at the link provided on the newsletter.

What Are Cookies?

A cookie is a very small text document, which often includes an anonymous unique identifier. When you visit a Web site, that site's computer asks your computer for permission to store this file in a part of your hard drive specifically designated for cookies. Each Web site can send its own cookie to your browser if your browser's preferences allow it, but (to protect your privacy) your browser only permits a Web site to access the cookies it has already sent to you, not the cookies sent to you by other sites. Browsers are usually set to accept cookies. However, if you would prefer not to receive cookies, you may alter the configuration of your browser to refuse cookies. If you choose to have your browser refuse cookies, it is possible that some areas of our site will not function as effectively when viewed by the users. A cookie cannot retrieve any other data from your hard drive or pass on computer viruses.

How Do We Use Information We Collect from Cookies?

As you visit and browse our Web site, the site uses cookies to differentiate you from other users. In some cases, we also use cookies to prevent you from having to log in more than is necessary for security. Cookies, in conjunction with our Web server's log files, allow us to calculate the aggregate number of people visiting our Web site and which parts of the site are most popular. This helps us gather feedback to constantly improve our Web site and better serve our clients. Cookies do not allow us to gather any personal information about you and we do not intentionally store any personal information that your browser provided to us in your cookies.

IP Addresses

IP addresses are used by your computer every time you are connected to the Internet. Your IP address is a number that is used by computers on the network to identify your computer. IP addresses are automatically collected by our web server as part of demographic and profile data known as traffic data so that data (such as the Web pages you request) can be sent to you.

Sharing and Selling Information

We do not share, sell, lend or lease any of the information that uniquely identify a subscriber (such as email addresses or personal details) with anyone except to the extent it is necessary to process transactions or provide services that you have requested.

How Can You Access and Correct Your Information?

You may request access to all your personally identifiable information that we collect online and maintain in our database by emailing us at the usual address.

What About Legally Compelled Disclosure of Information?

We may disclose information when legally compelled to do so, in other words, when we, in good faith, believe that the law requires it or for the protection of our legal rights. We may also disclose account information when we have reason to believe that disclosing this information is necessary to identify, contact or bring legal action against someone who may be violating our Terms of Service or to protect the safety of our users and the Public.

What About Other Web Sites Linked to Our Web Site?

We are not responsible for the practices employed by Web sites linked to or from our Web site or the information or content contained therein. Often links to other Web sites are provided solely as pointers to information on topics that may be useful to the users of our Web site.

Please remember that when you use a link to go from our Website to another web site, our Privacy Policy is no longer in effect. Your browsing and interaction on any other web site, including web sites, which have a link on our Website, is subject to that Web site's own rules and policies. Please read over those rules and policies before proceeding.

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By using our Web site you consent to our collection and use of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. We reserve the right to amend this privacy policy at any time with or without notice.

Our Commitment To Data Security:

Please note that your information will be stored and processed on our computers in the United States. The laws on holding personal data in the United States may be less stringent than the laws of your Country of residence or citizenship. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

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This site allows visitors to unsubscribe so that they will not receive future messages. After unsubscribing we will discontinue sending the particular messages as soon as technically feasible.

Surveys & Contests

From time-to-time our site requests information from users via surveys or contests. Participation in these surveys or contests is completely voluntary and the user therefore has a choice whether or not to disclose this information. Information requested may include contact information (such as name and shipping address), and demographic information (such as zip code, age level). Contact information will be used to notify the winners and award prizes. Survey information will be used for purposes of monitoring or improving the use and satisfaction of this site.

A Special Note About Children

Children are not eligible to use our services unsupervised and we ask that children (under the age of 14) do not submit any personal information to us. If you are a minor, you can use this service only in conjunction with permission and guidance from your parents or guardians.

Acquisition or Changes in Ownership

In the event that the web site (or a substantial portion of its assets) is acquired, your information would be considered part of those assets, and may be part of those assets that are transferred.

Policy Modifications

We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time. If/when changes are made to this privacy policy, we will email users who have given us permission to do so. We will post any changes here, so be sure to check back periodically. However, please be assured that if the Privacy Policy changes in the future, we will not use the personal information you have submitted to us under this Privacy Policy in a manner that is materially inconsistent with this Privacy Policy, without your prior consent

Save Money with Cheap Long Distance Plans

By Jayden McKenzie. . .

There are many different cheap long distance plans to choose from, in fact it can be a little overwhelming with all the choices you have for cheap long distance and unlimited long distance plans. Most cheap long distance plans offer an unlimited long distance plans that turns out to be cheaper compared to regular a plan that waivers in fees each month. We hope this article will help make choosing a new cheap long distance and unlimited long distance plan easier for you!

Tip One:
When changing phone plans most people are concerned with loosing their current phone number. Be sure to ask up front if you will be able to keep your existing phone number and if there will be a charge to do so.

Tip Two:
When you receive a quote for your new unlimited long distance plan, be sure to ask what your total monthly bill will come too. Along with the costs of your unlimited long distance you will have local, state and federal taxes added to your bill. Be sure to find out your exact total so you don’t get a surprise when the bill comes!

Tip Three:
If you are switching to a new unlimited long distance plan and the plan comes with local phone service as well, make sure it will be compatible with your high-speed DSL provider if you have DSL service for your Internet access.

Tip Four:
If you call Hawaii, Alaska, Canada or any other country on a regular basis be sure to find out if any of these calls will also be included within your unlimited long distance package. If calling these countries will not be included in your unlimited long distance find out if they have an additional add on for calling these countries. It may cost you more money then your unlimited long distance plan but if you call these countries regularly, it will still be a savings for you!

Tip Five:
When choosing your new unlimited long distance plan find out if wire maintenance is included in your plan or what the fees are in addition to your long distance plan.

Lastly, when choosing your new plans make sure to ask what your monthly bill will be total with all taxes and fees included. Many times they quote you what your long distance plan will be without including all the fees, then your bill comes in the mail and you are shocked!

Jayden McKenzie owns [http://www.cheaplongdistancecarriers.com]Cheap Long Distance Carriers where you can find the most cost effective [http://www.cheaplongdistancecarriers.com]cheap long distance plans and all your other telecommunication needs in one spot!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayden_McKenzie http://EzineArticles.com/?Save-Money-with-Cheap-Long-Distance-Plans&id=37170