Receive VoIP calls through your computer

Internet phone software helps people make and receive phone calls through their computer. Other names for this type of software are: a Softphone, SIP phone or a software phone. Basically a software phone is a computer program that has a graphical interface that looks just like a normal telephone. This software is very easy to use because pressing the buttons on the interface is just like pressing the buttons on a physical telephone.

Where to get an Internet Phone software

Internet phone software can be ordered from your Internet phone service provider or it can be found by doing a few searches on the Internet. Some companies sell softphones for a fee while many other companies and developers offer the programs for free. There is little difference between the free software phones and those that are for sale. In fact, they are often made by the same person but sold through a 3 party like a major VoIP service major VoIP service providers. A few good Internet searches will put you in touch with the best provider of Internet phone software.

Configuring your Internet phone software

Configuring Internet phone software is not as difficult as it might sound. There are three main pieces of information that you will need to have to set up your Internet phone; the server address of your Internet phone service provider, your username for the account and your password for the account. With this information, you will be able to follow the user guide provided by the softphone company to configure your phone. Once configured, you will be set to use the phone with your broadband Internet phone account.

Be careful of extra fees

It is important to do some preparation before committing to an Internet phone provider. Although voice over IP technology is extremely inexpensive to use, many companies try to make extra money off of what they consider to be accessories. In the eyes of some of the larger Voice over IP companies, the use of Internet phone software is and extra and therefore an accessory. Before you sign up for an account with any service provider, find out if they charge extra fees for the use of a softphone. Secondly, find out if they allow you to use a softphone that is not provided by them. Unfortunately, in an effort to secure your money, some VoIP companies place a block on their services so that you are not able to use any other softphone but the one that they provide. This is a way of ensuring that all of your money goes to them. It is possible to use a softphone without extra fees. Skype is a service that provides its own free softphone. Furthermore, a USB phone can very easily be plugged into the computer for use with Skype if necessary.

Keep an eye out for good deals

The potential of Internet phone software has not been fully tapped yet. New companies spring up every month offering their form of VoIP services. Do not allow yourself to be talked into long term commitments in voice over IP. The easy transferal of your telephone number means that you can take full advantage of the competition between phone service providers. However, if you have committed yourself to 2 years of service with just one provider, you may find yourself regretting it.