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| will work with your outdated system.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