Computer Phone Software in the Market
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As we have learned in the previous VoIP articles, there are basically two ways by which you can communicate from one device to another. The first is by using standalone hardware or a phone separate from the computer itself; the second is by using desktop applications to make calls directly from the computer. In this article, we shall inspect features and other options of computer phone software that are currently available in the market.
Common Features/What to Expect
What most people want today is the convenience of being able to make a call to anywhere in the world for the fewest cents possible, and if possible, for nothing at all. Computer telephony provides that basic functionality and more.
First, you will be able to call from one computer to another—with no charge, about 99% of the time. Take note, though, that in order for your computer and a loved one's computer to be able to talk to each other, you may need to have the same software installed.
Next, you will most definitely find it useful to call from a computer to an actual telephone, be it the plain old telephone service (POTS), a mobile phone, or some other type of phone. These options will depend on what the software you've chosen has promised to do for you, so keep your eyes peeled about that. Now, for this feature, expect to pay something for a PC-to-Phone call—as opposed to paying nothing for PC-to-PC only calls that is.
Most of the time, you will see free computer-to-computer calls and for-fee computer-to-phone calls bundled together to make up your basic computer telephony software features and services from your chosen provider. On other occasions, often in hopes of being an all-in-one product as well, you can expect equally useful features such as:
- Chat/Instant messaging
- File transfer and sharing
- Video messaging/Video conferencing
- Voice recording/Voice mail
- SMS/Text messaging
- 2-way radio
- Support via mobile phones and handheld devices
These additional features, which are not necessarily dependent on VoIP, underscore the belief that why juggle a bunch of software when you can use one for everything?
Computer Phone Hardware
You can read up on the hardware you need to communicate through VoIP in the article: Computer Phone Hardware Requirements.
Software List
Ekiga. Formerly GnomeMeeting. The "first Open Source application to support H.323 and SIP, as well as audio and video."
GameComm. Allows you to "handle all of your gaming business with one program instead of having to swap between several." Provides instant messaging, bulletin board, file transfer system, server broadcast system. Comparison table with rival software found here.
GoogleTalk. Google's messaging client that also allows you to talk to other instant messengers like Adium, GAIM, iChat, Miranda, Psi, and Trillian.
PeerMe. International P2P communications company which "supports Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) PC to PC and PC to handheld voice communications, instant messaging, and peer-to-peer file transfer all securely encrypted over public internet connections."
Skype. Closed-protocol VoIP software that lets you call all types of phones, own your own SkypeIn number, make conference calls, use video calls, record voicemail, and send SMS, photos, and other files to one another.
Switchboard. Java applet that runs in your browser; practically no installation when your internet browser supports Java. Compatible with AOL instant messenger, MSN messenger, and ICQ.
Vbuzzer. An instant messaging and VoIP client that "allows you to exchange emails, text messages, and phone calls."
YATE – Yet Another Telephony Engine. An easily extensible "next-generation telephony engine" with a host of applications (server, client, gateway, router, registration server, call center server, etc.).
Zfone. Provides secure voice communication using VoIP and runs atop SIP-based programs.
Want to read more options? You can view Wikipedia's comparison of popular VoIP software here.
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