Internet Phones - VoIP

Google Talk is text and voice instant messenger, that enables you to communicate with your friends via voice (microphone required) or traditional text messages. It offers the standard features, including user blocking, online status, and contacts display as well as file transfers and voicemail. Google Talk integrates with Gmail and allows you to import all your contacts.

Skype is a user friendly P2P software, that allows you to make free Internet telephone calls (VoIP) to any other Skype user, anywhere in the world. The sound quality is as good or even better than regular phones, and requires no additional equipment, besides a normal PC microphone or headset. The Skype interface is similar to popular instant messenger clients and allows you to create a profile, with optional picture, that will be displayed when you call other Skype users or receive incoming call. The program is very easy to use, and works with firewalls and NAT without any additional configuration changes. Basically, all you have to do is download, select a Skype username and you are ready to make or receive calls.

Eyeball Chat allows people to video chat for free over the Internet in real-time. Because it continually optimizes depending on the available bandwidth, you always get the best quality video possible and it even works on a dial-up connection. Eyeball Chat is ideal for contacting friends and family. The Contact List allows you to see when your buddies are available to video chat with. Better integration with the Eyeball Chat Groups makes it even easier to meet new people. It is also a great way to avoid long distance phone bills. (webCam required for video features, microphone for audio) Requires free registration.

PicoPhone is a tiny and easy to use Internet phone, that uses a simple UDP-based protocol, which works very well with NAT Internet sharing. The program is a single executable file, just start it, enter the IP address (or computer name) of the other party and connect. You will hear a ringing sound upon connection and have the option to take or deny the call. PicoPhone can handle multiple connections if your audio system supports it. In addition, you can open a text chat session with the other part, or send a short text message. Needless to say, that whoever you want to call, needs to have a copy of PicoPhone. However, since the program is so small, it can be easily attached to an email. The interface is plain and simple but does everything you need.

CQPhone is an easy to use PC-to-PC phone, that allows voice chat, as well as video chat and text chat. In addition, you can easily exchange pictures and web links by simply dragging them onto the interface. Once you install the software, you will be automatically assigned a phone number, no registration or sign up required. To connect to your friend)s), simply enter their CQPhone number, just like you would with an ordinary phone. CQPhone works with most firewalls and routers without additional configurations. The sound quality is very good.

Express Talk is a VoIP softphone that can be used to call other Express Talk users, or any other SIP voip softphone. The program uses the SIP protocol and is compatible with most major VoIP SIP service providers. Features include support for up to 6 lines, CallerID, data compression, noise reduction, integrated phone book with quick dial and more. Express Talk can be configured to work behind NATs and Firewalls. You will need an account with an SIP provider is order to call other SIP users - the accounts are normally available for free and links are provided.

TeamTalk is a small and easy to use IP based voice conferencing application that allows you to talk to your friends and colleagues using the internet or local network as audio carrier. You can run the program in server or client mode (one needs to be the server) and then just connect to the client by entering the IP address. The program offers an Instant Messenger like interface that shows you the currently connected users and their status, and also lets you create private channels. Other features include text messaging, auto connect, system tray icon and more. The program can be used for two-way communications, or also as a LAN intercom - a microphone is required to send a voice message, but not to receive the broadcast.

Gizmo Project is a VoIP messenger, that allow you to talk with your friends around the world. Like all VoIP applications, the program uses your Internet connection to make calls to other computers with your microphone and PC speakers. The features include free voicemail, call recording, call forwarding, conference calls and more. In addition to the voice chat, you can also use traditional (text) instant messaging. Gizmo Project comes with a neat feature that allows you to map the location of the caller (usually the address of the ISP), using Google Maps. The program also supports calls to regular land lines, however these require the purchase of phone credits - Gizmo-to-Gizmo calls are free.

Focus VideoPhone is a standalone video phone application that allows you to connect to other machines on the network and start a video conversation. The program provides a simple interface and an IP address book to connect to other machines. The remote computers needs to have a copy of Focus VideoPhone running and will be notified of the incoming call with a distinctive ring. Other features include adjustable video compression, one-way video mode and a display with network statistics. Standalone executable, no install needed. Works with any USB webcam.

3CX Phone System is an IP based PBX system that can completely replace a proprietary hardware PBX. It supports standard SIP soft/hard phones and can lower call costs via VOIP service providers while still supporting traditional PSTN (Public switched telephone network) phone lines. The program provides a web based configuration interface.