Where are you calling from?
In my local newspaper today there was an article that grabbed my attention. In today’s Newsday (www.newsday.com) on page A3 the article entitled PC Phone Home covered the entire page. This article was dedicated to the growing use of internet phone services. Basically what it talked about was how people can now use their computers to make phone calls just like they would a regular landline. The reason that this grabbed my attention was before i enrolled in a grad class dealing with technology i had no idea that this even existed. However, i have since learned that the computer can be used for much more then free cell and downloading music. Over the course of the past few months i have become familiar with two different internet based phone services that allow you to make calls from your computer. The first one is Gizmo. Gizmo (www.gizmoproject.com) allows you to use your computer to call other people who are on their computers as well. By creating a screen name you can dial others who you want to talk to. If they are not available you are able to leave a message which they can retrieve at a later date from their e-mail. All you need is a computer with speakers and a microphone. Some computers already have both, but you might need to find a buy a microphone. I myself was lucky enough to borrow one from my father-in-law. Although the idea of using a headset while talking to someone through the computer takes some time to get used to, it does work. One of the greatest features of Gizmo is the fact that it allows you to conference call with many other users by creating your own phone number. The next PC phone service that i will suggest to you is Skype (www.skype.com) Skype allows users to call any phones in this country for free from your computer. I tried it with several people and they could not tell the difference. I am convinced that if i was not locked into the Optimum Triple Play Package i would drop my telephone service. It works that well. Both of these are great tools and virtually unknown as the article states. I doubt they will continue to stay unknown if they continue to get press. I suggest trying one or both immediately. Let me know when you do and we can chat online (verbally). Have a good one. Jonathan
July 25th, 2006 at 11:18 am
I have recently taken interest in both programs you mentioned. I am amazed at the new technology that already exists that most ordinary people have no idea are available. I found both programs extremely user friendly and useful. I am currently using skype for most of my calls when I am on the PC and I love it. I have become somewhat lazy because it is so convenient but it has contributed to making my life run more effeciently. I hope to have the opportunity to introduce concepts and programs like these in my classroom one day.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:08 pm
I am really contemplating setting up a Gizmo account for my class this year. The fact that you can leave voicemail makes it seem like a tool that my students can use to get in touch with me if they have a question. The question is “Do i want to be able to be contacted after school?
July 30th, 2006 at 11:40 pm
I’m curious as to when this pc phone service will come into the business world, I can see the telemarketers now just clicking away calling my house and cell phone and at a cheaper cost to that company! Im interested in the service but will still opt for the traditional land line any day to make a call
July 31st, 2006 at 9:02 am
These programs have been available for about 5 years or more. The only thing is that nobody really took to them when they first came out, reception wasn’t to clear. I have to check these out though to make it easier to kill to birds with one stone. How are you notified when you have a call, does it ring, if you are running another program does it exit out of that for the phone?
July 31st, 2006 at 4:06 pm
Yes it rings. I have found no problem with Skype and opening other windows. Gizmo has kicked me off a couple of times.
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