If you??™ve upgraded from a slow connection (such
as dial-up) to a broadband connection, you should be able to see the difference easily
without measuring the speed.
Your fast Internet connection is just crying out to be used??”and use it you will. The
next project shows you how to turn your PC into a free VoIP phone, and the project
after that shows you how to use your PC for videoconferencing over the Internet.
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Project 3
Turn Your PC
into a Free
Phone
What You??™ll Need
Hardware: Broadband Internet connection; headset or speakers and
microphone; webcam (optional)
Software: Skype
Cost: Free to $75 U.S.
Having a broadband Internet connection opens up all sorts of possibilities to
you. Not only can you download massive files in minutes and upload files
at a respectable speed, but you can also make phone calls over the Internet.
This project shows you how to make Internet phone calls by using the Skype software
and service. Skype uses a data-transfer called Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VoIP for
short, so you??™ll often see the term VoIP in connection with Internet phone calls.
Step 1: Line Up Your Audio Hardware
If you??™re considering this project, you??™ll need a fast Internet connection. If you don??™t yet
have one, go straight to Project 2 to find out your options.
Next, you need audio hardware??”either speakers and a microphone or a headset
that includes a microphone.
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