Getting Started Using VoIP

To make PC to PC or PC to phone calls, the first thing you need to do is choose a VoIP provider. There are a number of providers in the UK including BT VoIP, Demon and Vonage VoIP.

Choosing which provider to subscribe too will largely depend on the packages they offer, the cost of making phone calls to land lines and mobile phones, and how many of your contacts use a specific provider.

Once you have decided which service you will subscribe too, you will need to download the providers software, which in most cases is free to install.

Before you can get started you need to make sure you have a headset, or you have a microphone and speakers. The other option available is buying a USB phone that plugs into your computer’s USB socket that offers a very familiar user experience.

Once you have installed the software and got chosen the hardware, you are then ready to call other people who are using the same software free of charge over the internet, as well as call regular land lines and mobile phones for a small fee determined by your VoIP provider.

If you are using VoIP on your mobile phone, then all you need to do is download the software to your phone, and you need not worry about buying any additional hardware.

Types of Handsets

There are a number of options for choosing a handset to use to speak using VoIP:

• Headset – this plugs into your computer and comes with a microphone and speakers.

• VoIP handset –works just like a phone but instead plugs into your computers USB socket.

• IP Phone – plugs straight into your router so no need to turn the computer on

• Dual phone – capable of making normal calls and VoIP calls

Additional Features:

Many of the better VoIP services allow you to take advantage of a number of the following features:

• Caller ID

• Voicemail

• Local phone number option

• Conference calls

• Call forwarding

• Instant transfer to voicemail

• Instant messaging

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

What is VoIP?

VoIP is the acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol. Most simply put, VoIP is the technology that enables its users to make cheap phone calls over an internet connection. The technology has been in existence for over thirty years, but it has been the last half decade where its usage has gradually become mainstream, as broadband internet connections become ubiquitous.

VoIP basically works by recording your voice, compressing it into data samples and transmitting it as digital information over the internet.

Who uses VoIP?

VoIP is a cheap way of making international phone calls. So anyone who regularly makes overseas phone calls can save a lot of money using VoIP. The technology also enables transmission of videos so VoIP users can also make video calls, something that has proven extremely popular with users of services such as Skype.

VoIP is not used merely by casual users, but businesses can save a ton of money on phone bills. Internet telephony is not just cheap or even free a lot of the times, but some providers, for the payment of a flat monthly fee offer a number of different features that are extremely convenient and save a lot of money.

Added features include the allocation of a land-line number that people can use to call and connect directly to you. This means that it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, people can still phone the same number to reach you. Some providers also let you make unlimited phone calls to certain countries or a number of countries as part of their subscription fee.

How is VoIP Used?

Computer to Computer

Many users use VoIP to make calls from one computer to another. But in actual fact a computer is not necessary, and all that is required is an internet connection.

If you exclude the cost of the internet connection, computer to computer phone calls are in fact free and this is the main way people use VoIP when they are at home. To be able to do this though both users need to use the same service, and all that is required is the purchase of a headset or phone (plus a webcam if you wish to make video calls). Once you have plugged the headset into your computer you are ready to go.

Computer to Phone

VoIP does not exclusively need to be confined to computer to computer calls. It can also be used to call normal land-line or mobile numbers. However using VoIP to do this is certainly not free and in some cases can be quite expensive, and these calls are where VoIP providers make money.

Despite the cost, using VoIP to make calls to landlines and mobiles can often still be a lot cheaper than using a regular phone, and is certainly cheaper when you use it to place an international call.

The beauty is the person you are calling does not have to be connected to the internet, instead your provider routes the call through to the land-line number.

SIP

SIP which stands for Session Initiation Protocol uses exactly the same technology as PC to PC communication. It is far more usual to use a special SIP phone, which plugs straight into your broadband connection to make the calls, and this removes the need to turn your computer on.

SIP is extremely popular with corporations that have offices strewn across the globe. It allows them to simply install the SIP phone, and make unlimited phone calls to one another.

Mobile Phones

The latest trend has been the explosion of growth in consumers buying smartphones, a lot of which come with VoIP capability. This means the owner of the smartphone simply needs to download the software of the provider to their mobile phone, and use it just as if they were on their computer.

You should check your mobile phone service provider, because some are reluctant to allow their subscribers use this feature on their phones because it may stop their users from making more expensive phone calls using their network. Many mobile phone service providers restrict the ability of their subscribers to use VoIP from their 3G network, confining it to Wi-Fi connections only.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

Choosing a Business Broadband Package

Choices for business broadband packages seem endless. Almost all internet service providers offer business broadband deals, and often it can be very difficult to choose between them, and determine which package is best.

On the surface many business broadband packages look very similar to one another, however if you dig a little deeper, you will find many key differences.
Here are some things you should consider when choosing your provider:

• Support – Is perhaps the single most important factor when choosing a business broadband package. You need to know just how good the ISP’s support is. Questions such as whether they will send an engineer if required, which operating systems they support and whether that includes Linux users. Most importantly, whether the ISP will sign a Service Level Agreement (SLA) and provide 24 hour support.

• Speed- Is also something you need to consider, and how important is it to your business. If all you are doing really is sending and receiving emails, and browsing, then slower speeds are sufficient, and speed should not influence your decision too much

• Security – Always look to obtain the best security possible, even if that means you need to pay a little extra for the peace of mind.

• Price – Price is always one the key factors in arriving at a decision. It is not always best simply to choose the cheapest package, since a lower cost usually means less functionality.

• Backup – Having back up is important, but it is not imperative that your ISP throws it in as part of the deal, since often it can be bought from third parties for a small fee. If it is not part of the deal, do not let that fact affect your overall decision.

• Freebies – Who doesn’t like a freebie? You should not however let whether the ISP is bundling freebies with your package influence your final decision. Free email and web space is easy to obtain, however free access to Wi-Fi hotspots for employees on the go may be incredibly useful.

Price is not everything when it comes to choosing a business broadband plan. You should not dismiss out of hand the costlier packages. Often the added features can save a lot of time, money and heartache down the line, and peace of mind more than justifies the added expense.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

Choosing a Mobile Broadband Package

Choosing a mobile broadband package will largely depend on how often you use the internet and what you plan to use it for. Mobile broadband is generally not the right option for those who heavily use the internet and download of a lot of files.  It does however make a lot of sense for people who are on the go. Before choosing a provider you should also take the time to check out how good the reception in your area.

Contract Mobile Broadband

Just like with your mobile phone, mobile broadband packages are available on contract. Contracts can range between 12 to 24 months. Each contract has a different data transfer limit, some offer different connection speeds, and there are differences in prices. Most however come bundled with a free wireless dongle.

Like with most things, it is best to shop around a look for the best deal on offer, especially since it is a rapidly growing market, competition is intensifying and there is an opportunity to pick up great bargains.

You may find however, that it is better to pay a little more, or commit to a longer contract so that you get faster speeds and bigger data transfer limits.

Many contracts come with free laptops or netbooks included.

Pay As You Go Mobile Broadband

PAYG mobile broadband is exactly the same as PAYG mobile phones. The major advantage with PAYG is that it does not tie you into a contract, instead all you need to do is top up your data transfer limit as and when you need too.

You will however need to by your own dongle, but that is balanced by the fact that you do not run the risk of exceeding your limit and paying additional charges.

Some providers offer starter kits, which are very similar to PAYG, but comes with a pre-loaded data allowance, designed to give customers the ability to try out mobile broadband for the first time.

Starter kits are also available. These are similar to PAYG packages, but they come pre-loaded with a data allowance. They are for people who want to try out mobile broadband for the first time.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

What is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile internet access is the latest development in broadband, and obviously because of the sheer convenience of being connected wherever you may be, is an increasingly popular option.

Mobile broadband allows users to access the internet using mobile phone networks using 3G technology and the latest development 4G also known as Wi-Max, which is wireless internet service provision (without mobile phone coverage and much faster than 3G.)

In the purest sense of the word mobile broadband forgoes the need for a fixed line connection to the internet, and there are a few competing technologies, but for the purposes of this guide, we confine it to internet access provided by mobile phone networks.

How Does it Work?

As we explained earlier, mobile broadband uses mobile phone networks to provide internet access, contrasting with fixed line broadband which either uses copper telephone wires, or fibre optic cables.

Mobile broadband is a wireless solution, and should not be confused with Wi-Fi, which only allows wireless connectivity to the internet when the user is in range of their router. Mobile broadband allows users to access the internet wherever there is a mobile phone signal.

3G technology in theory provides internet speeds as high as 7.2 Mbps. However that speed is a theoretical and is rarely if ever achievable in practice, when there are many users connected to the network.

3G is responsible for the explosion in smartphones that almost everyone seems to own now, and is the technology that drives internet access for the Apple iPhone.

Mobile phone companies who offer internet access provide their customers with a USB stick also known as a dongle, which is plugged into the laptop or computer. The dongle picks up the signal from the mobile phone companies and also installs the software required, allowing virtually instant access to the internet as soon as it is plugged in.

Who Uses Mobile Broadband?

The most obvious answer to that is mobile broadband is suitable for anyone who wishes to stay connected to the internet no matter where they are, rather than be limited by a fixed line. Alternatively it is ideal for people who live in areas not served by a fixed line internet service provider.

This has meant that the two biggest user groups that have emerged are business users and students, groups which place high value on mobile internet access. Another group of people for which it is extremely suitable are those who live in short term rental accommodation, since it does with the requirement for having a fixed line telephone.

Mobile broadband is increasingly be used as a backup internet connection, in the event that the regular fixed line internet connection fails.

Suppliers

There are only six mobile broadband providers currently operating in the UK:

• O2

• Orange

• T-Mobile

• 3

• Virgin

• Vodafone

Coverage

The coverage provided by mobile broadband in the UK is outstanding, with 99 per cent of the country covered by a network. It should be noted that connection speeds tend to depend on the quality of reception, and in general the better reception and speeds are available in cities and towns.

Connection Devices

The most common connection device is the dongle, which is a small USB device that plugs into the USB socket of the computer. They are extremely small, and very portable, and some have even begun to use them as a fashion accessory. The other alternative is a USB modem, which is similar to a dongle and works in much the same way.  The other less-common alternative is a mobile data card, which can only be used with laptops with ‘plug and go’ software.

Data Allowances

Mobile internet service providers usually provide data transfer limits, that is to say there is only a certain amount of data that can be downloaded as part of the monthly subscription bill. Every time you browse the internet, send emails, stream a You Tube video, you are using part of your monthly allowance. If you exceed the allowance it won’t mean that you are cut off from the internet, but the mobile phone company levies data charges which are quite steep per unit of data (most commonly measure in megabytes).

The data transfer limits are in place to prevent people taking advantage of the networks and overcrowding them, which would affect performance levels.

The data transfer limits usually range from between 1GB to 15GB, with 1GB allowing about 30 hours of surfing, and 15GB allowing 150 hours of surfing.

Some plans offer unlimited data transfer, but those plans are usually accompanied by fair usage policy, which means if you hog the bandwidth, downloading tons of movies for example, the mobile phone provide will begin to choke the speed you can obtain from the service, dramatically slowing it down.

Some plans are Pay As You Go, and as is the case with mobile phone services, once you have used the data transfer that you have paid for, you will no longer be able to access the internet.

In each case, you will be able to check how much of your allowance you have used up online, and some companies even send you text messages when you reach certain milestones.

Using Mobile Broadband Abroad

Generally if your mobile phone company offers roaming, then in theory you should be able to access the internet abroad. However roaming is expensive, even for just mobile phones, and can cost anywhere between £3.00 per MB in the EU going up to £8 per MB outside the EU. That means if you go just 1 GB over your limit, you will find yourself with a bill of £8,000. So do be careful.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

Download Limits Explained

In the UK most broadband packages offer unlimited data transfer. However some internet service providers offer packages which have data transfer or download limits.

Why on earth would anyone opt for limited data transfer packages? Well for a start some ISP’s offer faster internet speeds for to customers on limited packages, and another reason is a lot of times they are cheaper than unlimited packages, even though they offer similar speeds.

If you are considering opting for a limited data transfer package, then it is imperative you understand which download limit is best suited for your requirement.

What is a download limit?

A download limit is the amount of data you can download from the internet as part of your monthly subscription fee. Users who exceed their download limit, will still be able to use the internet but will be charged per unit of data downloaded in excess of their download limit (usually measured in megabytes). The excess usage charges tend to be quite expensive. If you exceed your download limit regularly it will most certainly cost a packet.

Data transfer or download limits tend to be expressed in gigabytes a month. ISP’s tend to set limits of the number of gigabytes one can download every month, and can range from as low as 1GB a month to of course unlimited.

Finding the download limit to suit you

Clearly since excess usage charges are exorbitant and you do decide on a limited data transfer plan then choosing a plan with a suitable download limit is critical. Your requirement will largely depend on the amount of time you spend on the internet and the type of downloading you engage in.

Some internet service providers of hybrid plans, which offer unlimited downloads during non peak hours (night time and weekends), whilst limiting the data transfer during peak hours.

If you spend a lot of time on the internet or like to download media like music or video or stream video from You Tube, then it is extremely likely you need a plan with large limits.

The Download Limits

• 1GB

A limit of this size is generally very inexpensive, but is not suitable for the vast majority of users. This kind of plan suits those who use the internet infrequently. A limit of this size will enable the user to view 10,500 web pages or download no more than 20 music albums. Streaming video on this time of plan would not be advisable

• 2 GB

A download limit of this size is best suited for those who only use the internet to view websites, and do not engage in downloading media files. A 2GB limit will give a user the ability to view 21,000 web pages and download 40 albums.

• 15 GB

For the vast majority of internet users a limit of this size is the most suitable. A 15GB limit will let users view as many pages as they like and still have room left to download media files. Approximately 157,000 web pages can be viewed, and 300 music albums can be downloaded with a limit of this size.

• 30 GB

A 30GB limit is roughly the equivalent of 1GB a day, which very few people actually manage. A limit of this size is best suited for someone who plays online games, streams a lot of video, or downloads media files. You could comfortably view 314,500 web pages, and download 600 music albums with a limit of this size.

• Unlimited

Opting for an unlimited plan is clearly the easiest way to not have to worry about whether you exceed your download limit and in the UK many ISP’s offer unlimited plans at almost a negligibly higher cost than 15GB or 30GB plans.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

What Are The Benefits Of Broadband Internet Connections?

OK so the internet has changed the world the media keeps telling us, but so far you have managed to do quite well without a broadband connection thank you very much and managed very well with a dial up. If you are thinking about stumping up for a broadband connection and want to know what the benefits of a broadband connection are, so here is a list.

1.Fast speeds- broadband connections are much faster than an ordinary dial up connection, and even a relatively slow broadband connection of 1Mbps is 20 times faster than a dial up connection.

2.Large data transfer volumes- Faster internet speeds means that ever larger volumes of data can be sent and received by your computer at a quicker rate.

3. The Internet is always on- Traditional dial up connections require logging in, and actually dialling into the internet whenever you want to use the internet. Broadband removes the need to do that and can be left perpetually on, which means whenever you go to your computer, you have immediate access to the internet.

4. The telephone line is unaffected- With traditional dial up connections, when you are using the internet, the phone line is tied up, meaning you cannot use the internet and make a telephone call at the same time. Broadband connections allow you to use the internet and still have a free telephone line, meaning you can surf the web, whilst making a call.

5. No surprise charges- Internet service providers (at least in the UK) tend to charge flat monthly fees (depending on the package you opt for). This means you can choose a package which gives you unlimited internet access and have complete certainty about the cost, there will be no extra surprise charges for time spent using the internet.

6. Download websites almost instantly- Websites appear almost instantaneously, no time delays or waiting for pages to load, even for sites that use the most complex graphics.

7. Download music and videos- Instead of having to go shop at the store for music and video, you can download most content legally from the comfort of your own home.

8. Interact with others in real time- Broadband internet allows instant communication with others even in far flung places around the world, for free through instant messaging, or low cost internet telephony

9. Free phone calls, You can make free phone calls to other online users using services such as Skype.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

What Is Broadband?

Broadband is most typically defined as a high speed internet connection, which allows large amounts of data to be transferred very quickly.

Broadband is faster and easier to use than older modes of connecting to the internet, which was over telephone lines, and using a modem to dial up.

Broadband can either be provided using your phone line, using cable, fibre optic, satellite and these days wireless broadband through 3G by mobile phone companies is becoming increasingly popular.

One critical difference between broadband and the older dial up technology is that broadband connections allow you to use the internet without tying up your phone lines. That is to say you can surf the internet whilst making calls from your phone at the same time.

Another broadly used definition is that broadband is meant to operate as always being on, like an electricity connection, when you want to use it, you simply plug your device into the network. There is no requirement to dial into the internet.

Broadband, therefore, has many features that can be taken advantage of in the home or office:

• In Britain, broadband customers pay a standard monthly fee for internet access, which usually gives the customer unlimited access to the internet. The customer is not charged for time spent on the internet, though there is a growing trend for pay as you go internet access plans, particularly in the mobile broadband space.

• Broadband allows websites, music and video to be downloaded at a much faster rate than the older dial up connections.

• Broadband allows users to take advantage of instant messaging and play multi-player online games.

• Broadband lets customers stream internet radio and video, as well as make very low cost internet based telephone calls known as voice over internet protocol (VOIP).

Broadband essentially allows for high speed internet access, and a fast connection makes the user experience more satisfying and for business users, helps their business run more efficiently.

The advent of broadband now means that working from home is actually a viable option.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

Virgin Media HD for no Monthly Fee – Available 22-03-10

Virgin Media TV has announced that they will be making their HD service more affordable for customers by not charging them any extra for the privilege. New and existing customers can now get the new V HD Box for the one off payment of £49 plus installation with no additional monthly subscription fee.

The new HD box will be available from Monday 22nd March 2010, the perfect time for release just as Virgin Media adds a whole host of brand new HD channels for home viewers. High definition channels already available include -

• ITV
• Eurosport
• Discovery
• E4 & Film4
• National Geographic
• MTV
• FX
• Living

Also added to this growing list this week is Sci Fi HD, which launched on 13th March 2010. This extensive choice of programming really does have something for everyone, with more channels to follow. This ever increasing range of is also complemented by thousands of hours of programmes with Virgin Media’s extensive ‘on demand’ library .

Virgin Media’s executive director of digital entertainment, Cindy Rose, said -

We want to make the best High Definition TV available to more people at affordable prices and without the additional monthly subscription fee. If you really love telly you’ll probably want our V+HD box because then you can record programmes on up to two channels while simultaneously watching another. Our new V HD Box is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the power of HD without the extra monthly fee. We think our superb range of TV content gives our customers a real choice and makes Virgin Media the best value TV offering available.

Virgin Media is the UK’s leading digital entertainment company, and with the news that they will no longer be charging any additional monthly subscription fees, more and more customers will be choosing there excellent service ahead of the competition.

> > Click here to order Virgin Media TV

Compare TV providers

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

Free £50 M&S Voucher with Sky TV – Offer Ends 25-03-10

Sky Digital TV will be giving away a FREE £50 M&S voucher to all new customers who sign up online before the end Thursday 25th March 2010. This deal is also available with a Sky+HD bundle, so if you choose a package of TV, broadband and calls you will receive -

• Free Sky+HD box
• Free standard set up
• Free broadband and calls
• Free £50 M&S voucher

Having just had Sky HD+ installed myself today, I can tell you the picture quality is absolutely superb, and I can’t wait to watch this evenings Champions League games in all there glory. But enough about me, if you want to take advantage of this superb offer you’ll have to move quickly as this promotional offer finishes on Thursday 25th March 2010.

> > Click here to order Sky TV today

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

Next Page »