VOIP FOR BEGINNERS

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some services using
VoIP may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor.

The most interesting thing of VoIP can turn a standard Internet connection into a way to place free phone calls. The practical upshot of this is that by using some of the free VoIP software that is
available to make Internet phone calls, you are bypassing the phone company (and its charges) entirely.
While telephone calling using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has attractedconsiderable attention in the business community and among policymakers, 27% ofInternet users in the United States – or 17% of all Americans – have heard of the service.
Of those who have heard of VoIP, 13% have considered purchasing the service for homeuse. In other words, at this very early stage of VoIP’s life, 3% of Internet users haveconsidered adopting VoIP technology in the home.
This means that approximately 34 million American Internet users have heard of VoIP and 4 million have given thought to using Voice over Internet Protocol service for home telephone service.

VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely rework the world's phone systems. VoIP providers like Vonage have already been around for a little while and are growing steadily. Major carriers like AT&T are already setting up VoIP calling plans in several markets around the United States, and the FCC is looking seriously at the potential ramifications of VoIP
service.

There are three different "flavors" of VoIP service in common use today:
ATA - The simplest and most common way is through the use of a device called an ATA (analog telephone adaptor). The ATA allows you to connect a standard phone to your computer or your Internet connection for use with VoIP.
IP Phones - These specialized phones look just like normal phones with a handset, cradle and buttons. IP phones connect directly to your router and have all the hardware and software necessary right onboard to handle the IP call.
Computer-to-computer or Pc to pc call - All you need is the software, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and an Internet connection, preferably a fast one like you would get through a cable or DSL modem.
Learn More:

Voip information home- Voip for beginners

Voip providers

Advantages using VoIP