| Here are the ten steps you need to follow for | | | | business plans include faxing and email capabilities, |
| fast and easy connection to VoIP: | | | | more long distance on "basic" and not "unlimited" |
| 1. You will need an updated computer. | | | | plans, and some companies even throw in |
| First you will need to have an upgraded computer | | | | amenities such as free yellow book advertising. |
| that is compatible with VoIP software. When you | | | | Again, writing a list down of what you want in a |
| are comparing and choosing service providers, | | | | VoIP service will help you better determine what |
| take special note to see if they run their | | | | your telecommunication needs are. |
| programs on Windows, Linux, or MAC OS. If you | | | | 5. Compare Service Providers |
| use Mac or Linux, don't assume that all VoIP | | | | Now it is time to compare various service |
| providers will have your needs in mind. | | | | providers. There are many sites on the Internet |
| Technology advances everyday, and this includes | | | | that will let you review and compare different |
| processor speeds, hardware, motherboards, | | | | plans. Also, word of mouth is always a great form |
| memory, and video and graphic cards. If you | | | | of advertising. If you have friends and relatives |
| have a "dinosaur" of a computer, there is little | | | | who have switched to VoIP, find out from them |
| chance that VoIP will work with your outdated | | | | how they like their service provider, and also |
| system. You can check with the company's | | | | inquire about any providers that they may have |
| requirements regarding their standards for your | | | | had a negative experience with. |
| computer. | | | | 6. Select the plan that is Right for You |
| 2. You must have High Speed Internet access | | | | Now that your list is complete and you have |
| such as DSL, or Cable | | | | compared service plans, it is time to decide on a |
| It is required that you have High Speed Internet | | | | service provider. Choose the provider that you |
| before purchasing VoIP services. There are a | | | | feel best meets your needs stated on your list. |
| handful of companies that will work with dial up | | | | You will also have the choice of purchasing |
| connections, but the standard choice is High Speed | | | | monthly or yearly contracts, so know which |
| Internet. High Speed Internet connections allow | | | | option is best for you ahead of time. |
| for the bandwidth needed as well as produce a | | | | 7. Purchase an Adapter for your telephones if |
| higher quality audio sound. When it comes to | | | | your Service does not provide you with one |
| transmitting data, audio, and video files, nothing | | | | If you don't want to sit at your computer for |
| beats High Speed. You will soon discover the | | | | every phone call, you will need a phone adapter. |
| benefits to having a High-speed Internet | | | | This adapter will allow you to use your household |
| connection, and then you will ask your self why | | | | phones to take VoIP calls. Some providers include |
| you didn't go with them sooner. | | | | an adapter with their services- others may not. |
| 3. Evaluate your Needs | | | | Make sure you find out if you will need to |
| You must decide why you want to switch to | | | | purchase an adapter. |
| VoIP. A good idea is to make a list and write | | | | 8. Choose your Area Code and Phone Number |
| down your reasons for wanting VoIP over PSTN | | | | Many providers will give you the opportunity of |
| landline phones. If you are a residential | | | | selecting your own area code and phone number. |
| homeowner and are fed up with paying high fees | | | | This is great for those who have family and |
| for local and long distance, then by all means, | | | | friends in a specific area, and who would like to |
| write that down. If you are looking for small | | | | save them money on their long distance bills. It is |
| business solutions and want to incorporate all of | | | | also an effective marketing tool for businesses |
| your data, audio, and video needs, then add that | | | | that are targeting a specific region. |
| to your list. By composing a list, you can clearly | | | | 9. Configure your Phone's features |
| see what your needs are and what service is | | | | Your phone will come with a variety of features. |
| best suited for you. | | | | You may configure them through an Internet |
| 4. Choose between Residential, Business, or both | | | | control panel. This allows greater freedom to |
| Many people opt to keep their business needs on | | | | many. You will typically set up your voicemail, call |
| PSTN, while testing VoIP in their residences. Not | | | | block numbers, and other features the same as |
| soon afterwards, they come to realize the | | | | you would on your cell phone. |
| potential benefits for their businesses as well. If | | | | 10. Spread the Word |
| you have a home office, some service providers | | | | Now that you are enjoying your new VoIP |
| will have a plan based on your needs as well. | | | | service, spread the word and let others know |
| Some of the differences between residential and | | | | how they too can save money. |