msmas
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posted on September 10, 2000 06:56:48 AM new
Has anyone used any of the Free programs that offer free long distance from pc to phone? What do you use and what has been your experience? I tried one about a year ago and it jammed up my computer so I uninstalled and have been gun-shy ever since. I just got my phone bill and it's CLEARLY time to reconsider! Any suggestions/recommendations would be gratefully accepted.
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Meya
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posted on September 10, 2000 07:45:03 AM new
My husband uses MSN Messenger 3.0, which lets you make phone calls to the US and Canada for free. We bought a headset microphone to use (we needed new stereo headphones anyway). If you use a boom type mic and the computer speakers, you can get an echo effect when the sound loops from the speakers to the mic.
We have a cable connection, so we didn't notice much lag when calling CA from OH. You can call PC to phone, or PC to PC if the person you are calling also uses Messenger.
For free it is great. The quality was really very good. It also gives us a "second line" of sorts if someone HAS to make a call while the phone line is tied up.
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msmas
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posted on September 10, 2000 09:09:14 AM new
Thanks Meya!
I downloaded and made a test call. KOOL! I'm curious though. If I'm on line and someone uses my internet number to call me pc to pc... wouldn't they get a busy signal? I guess I need to experiment a bit.
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DocPop
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posted on September 10, 2000 09:42:45 AM new
I have just signed up for msn free calling, and I found that I must need a new sound card. When I dial a number I get a message that I cannot use the mike and speakers at the same time with a half sound card. Does anyone know what sound card I need for this to work?
Thanks,
DocPop
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akt
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posted on September 10, 2000 08:50:44 PM new
This is a great way to make long distance calls! But the other day I got a phone call caller id said deleware ( I thought what I do not know anyone there) answered the phone anyway. My husband was checking it out and called the house ask me to bring him a drink! 
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MichelleG
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posted on September 10, 2000 08:56:18 PM new
I use http://www.hottelephone.com with varying degrees of success. Unlike a lot of free programs, it isn't just limited to the US & Canada - there are 30 countries listed you can make calls to.
Hope this helps
MichelleG
[ edited by MichelleG on Sep 10, 2000 08:56 PM ]
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krs
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posted on September 10, 2000 08:59:16 PM new
akk,
And you're back already? Must live close to Delaware.
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akt
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posted on September 10, 2000 09:06:38 PM new
I made the trip ok
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Meya
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posted on September 11, 2000 03:47:42 AM new
DocPop, you need a sound card that is Full Duplex. What type of computer and sound card do you have?
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boysmommy3
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posted on September 11, 2000 09:31:10 PM new
My sister and her husband and family live in Monaco in France and we are in Seattle, WA. They use a service about once a month and it is great. The only negative to it is that you have an echo before you hear the other party again.
Other than that great!! Will try to ask them what service it is.
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DocPop
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posted on September 12, 2000 07:34:41 AM new
Thanks Meya.
I have an old computer that has been updated a few times. It presently is a Pentium 300Mhz w/40 meg ram, 4.3 gig HD, 16X CD ROM.
Thats about all I can tell you now, being near computer illiterate
DocPop
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msmas
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posted on September 15, 2000 10:29:23 AM new
MichelleG:
Thanks for the lead on International calls. My daughter just got back from France but, knowing her, she'll be heading SOMEWHERE again... soon! I'm sure I'll have a chance to try International soon!
Thanks again!
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