| Now that you've decided that VoIP or Voice Over | | | | Now you have the option of choosing your own |
| Internet Protocol is right for you, there are a few things | | | | telephone number, one of the best features that VoIP |
| that you have to do to get started. The following are | | | | offers. If you are contemplating on keeping your old |
| steps you can take to immediately enjoy the benefits | | | | number with your new VoIP system, discuss this with |
| of VoIP. | | | | your service provider first. Most VoIP service providers |
| Updating Your Computer | | | | will allow you to do this. However, keep in mind that |
| First on your list is to update your computer. You need | | | | selecting a different number or area code has many |
| to have a High Speed Internet connection. Also you | | | | advantages. To start with, for family members and |
| would need to have updated video and audio Codecs | | | | friends who do not have unlimited long distance calling |
| as well as the latest version of DivX. Updating your | | | | options, choosing the same area code as theirs can |
| computer is easy by utilising tools or programs such as | | | | immediately save them money. They will definitely |
| your Windows Update. | | | | thank you for having being given the opportunity to call |
| Deciding on a Service Provider | | | | you as if it were a local call. |
| The next step is for you to decide on a service | | | | On a larger perspective, this option is very |
| provider that can offer you the right VoIP service plan. | | | | advantageous to those who own businesses that are |
| As there are many companies offering such services, | | | | aiming at specific regions. Say you own a business in |
| you could make the decision easier by writing down a | | | | Florida, yet at the same time, you would like to expand |
| list of your needs, wants, as well as features in that fit | | | | to Los Angeles, California. In choosing the Los Angeles, |
| your needs. Compare the many plans available and | | | | California code, you could easily increase sales and |
| make your choice. | | | | productivity as you now have a local number that |
| One thing to remember is that there are normally two | | | | customers can call. This would also reduce the need |
| plans available: Residential and Business. Residential | | | | for a toll free number. |
| plans can either be a basic plan which provides a | | | | Installing and Activating Your VoIP Features |
| certain amount of talk time, or an unlimited plan which | | | | Your VoIP service plan comes with an array of added |
| provides unlimited local and long distance access. On | | | | features. For residential plans, these could mean Caller |
| the other hand, a Business plan can provide services | | | | ID, Voicemail, Call Forwarding, Call Block and Do Not |
| such as multiple phones, longer talk time, better | | | | Disturb. Constantly check with your service provider to |
| unlimited calling plans, added business features, | | | | get a full listing of features that come with your |
| voicemail and faxing features, as well as other extras | | | | chosen plan. If you opt for a business plan, you would |
| like listings in the yellow pages. Make sure that you | | | | enjoy services like free fax lines, multi phone users, |
| choose a plan that is catered to your needs. The | | | | and integrated VoIP and web features. VoIP also |
| service provider that you finally decide on can also | | | | provides the same features in the basic plans. Again |
| assist you in determining what other computer | | | | remember that when deciding on your service |
| requirements you will need to have. Again, it is | | | | provider, compare the various plans available and |
| important that your computer be up to date and | | | | choose one that best fits your needs. |
| complies with the service provider's requirements. | | | | Accessorising |
| Getting a Telephone Adapter | | | | As VoIP gets more and more advanced, a whole new |
| The telephone adapter will be given to you by your | | | | group of accessories are introduced in the market. |
| service provider. With this adapter, you can now | | | | Today, you have the luxury of choosing from many |
| convert your everyday household phone into a phone | | | | types of VoIP phones, headsets, even VoIP |
| that works with your VoIP service. Using an Ethernet | | | | videophones that incorporate your audio with video. |
| cable, connect your telephone adapter to your Cable | | | | Enjoying Your VoIP Service |
| or DSI modem. Then connect your telephone to the | | | | Now that you have everything you need, you can |
| adapter with a phone jack. Besides a regular phone, | | | | start enjoying your VoIP service. Regardless if you |
| you could also opt to use a portable phone to the | | | | choose the basic or unlimited plan, you will realise that |
| adapter, and have the ease of a portable phone that | | | | with VoIP, you now enjoy more freedom, reliability and |
| works with your VoIP service. However, this is just the | | | | greater standards of quality, not to mention the most |
| standard portable phone used indoors, not to be | | | | cost effective method in meeting all of your |
| confused with a cell phone. | | | | telecommunications needs than you ever thought |
| Choosing Your Own Telephone Number | | | | possible. |