| Voice over internet protocol service, otherwise known | | | | wires needed to plug it into the speaker and |
| as VOIP, is a broadband internet based phone service | | | | microphone ports. It works just as a regular telephone |
| and allows subscribers to use their computers to | | | | does, but is not plugged into the phone jack. |
| make phone calls to other computers as well as to | | | | A regular telephone can be used as well, so long as an |
| landline phones. This service requires some special | | | | adapter is available to translate the Internet signal to |
| VOIP compatible equipment though, so be sure you | | | | the phone. This requires an extra piece of equipment, |
| have it before subscribing to a VOIP service. | | | | which is available almost anywhere, but it is worth the |
| There are three ways to use VOIP service and these | | | | overall savings to do so. Additionally, many people find |
| include using speakers and a microphone or a headset | | | | this one of the better solutions because they can |
| attached to the computer, a VOIP powered telephone | | | | make use of the phone they already have, in most |
| made especially for the service or a regular telephone | | | | cases. |
| that is adapted to the service. | | | | VOIP phones cost anywhere from $70 to $100 or |
| A VOIP service requires that speakers and a | | | | more, which is another reason many people utilize their |
| microphone be plugged into the green and the red | | | | speakers or a headset, which typically cost about $25 |
| ports on the back of the computer. This is so that a | | | | or more for a good pair. Additionally, a VOIP adapter |
| person can hear the other person speaking and talk as | | | | for your home telephone costs from $20 to $100 or |
| well. However, a VOIP telephone is made with the | | | | more, depending on the model and quality. |