How to Get Connected

Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)—that is, using your computer for telephone service via the Internet—has many advantages over traditional land phones: lower cost, increased functionality, greater control over telephone service options, and transportability. But it's good to know some of the drawbacks as well: service can be affected by power outages, reliability is reduced in emergency situations because calls do not always connect directly to 911 services, and directory assistance is usually not a standard service.

These are two Web sites that offer free Internet telephone service:

These are two Web sites of VoIP telephone companies: