Voice over Internet Protocol technology enables businesses -- and their customers -- around the world communicate via voice without using a traditional phone system. VoIP hardware and software convert audio signals form microphones into digital data that computers understand. While some VoIP services act like traditional phone systems and allow you to call anyone -- even on mobile phones and landlines -- others have restrictions. You can set up VoIP service just for you while you're away from the office, or you can transition your entire company to VoIP.
Some programs, such as Yahoo Messenger, let you talk with other people who use the same service. Skype, another communications application, enables you to call other Skype users for free. Both services offer plans that let you make long distance calls to regular landline telephones at a discount. If you use Gmail, you can make free domestic calls to anyone in the U.S. or Canada from within Gmail. You need to sign up for a Google account and download a plugin to use this service.
The Federal Communications Commission notes that many types of VoIP calls require broadband connections. While any microphone lets you communicate over the Web, people will hear you better if you use a good quality mic. You have the option to purchase regular headphones and a separate mic or a headset that combines these two devices. Many headset and microphone manufacturers include a Skype logo on their packages. A Skype logo lets you know that the headset or microphone meets Skype’s rigorous requirements for audio quality. Headsets with noise-cancellation capabilities improve calls by filtering out background noise that can make it more difficult to communicate.
While on the road, you can still speak with others over the Internet without using a cell phone. To do this, you must carry a laptop or tablet that has wireless capabilities and you’ll need to find a business, airport or other location that provides wireless hotspots. Discover a hotspot, plug your microphone into your computer and use your VoIP service to speak with others. Using free public wireless access can sometimes help save money if they don't want to use up the minutes they might have on their cell phone plans
MagicJack and NetTalk replace your regular phone and use the Internet. Plug NetTalk Duo II into your router or computer and make free calls over the Internet to locations in Canada and the U.S. MagicTalk provides similar features and gives you the ability to simply plug the unit into a walk without using a computer. Both services provide you with your own personal phone number so others can call you over the Web.
PCWorld notes that Internet voice services are much less expensive than regular phone services. Hosted VoIP service providers such as Vocalocity and Verizon Small Business can provide you with low monthly subscription plans that give you unlimited nationwide calling. Some providers offer mobile apps that enable you to use the Internet to make calls using mobile devices. You don't have to give up helpful features such as caller ID and voicemail when moving from a regular phone system to a hosted service. Most VoIP providers include these features as well as conference calling and Internet faxing.
Cisco Systems, a leader in networking, also notes the benefits of unifying your business communications. Their Unified Communications technology, for instance, provides a single VoIP solution that integrates data, voice and secure data communication. Cisco’s “Presence Technology” even helps you determine which co-workers or employees are available and shows you how to contact them. Other companies offer similar whole business solutions.
Cards Return to Set Details
Term Digital ______ includes music, photos, and videos. | Definition | ||||
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C++ and JavaScript are examples of programming languages. | Definition | ||||
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Posts on Twitter form a blog because of its journal format. | Definition | ||||
Term Storage consists of electronic components that store instructions and data waiting to be executed. | Definition | ||||
Term A mouse is an example of a(n) ______ device. | Definition | ||||
Term In the educational practice of BYOD, what does D stand for? | Definition | ||||
Term If you want to connect multiple devices together in your home to share a single Internet connection and devices such as a printer, what should you do? | Definition network your computers and devices | ||||
Term Which of the following is NOT recommended advice to protect your computer from malware? | Definition Remove firewall software and hardware. | ||||
Term Digital device ______ is the trend of computers and devices with technologies that overlap. | Definition | ||||
Term You interact with a program through its user ______. | Definition | ||||
Term Most e-book reader models have a touch screen, and some are Internet capable. | Definition | ||||
Term Crowdsourcing is the practice of involving a large group of people to collectively contribute time, services, funds, expertise, or ideas. | Definition | ||||
Term Gaming consoles are more portable than handheld gaming devices. | Definition | ||||
Term By subscribing to an ISP, you can connect to the Internet through your computers and mobile devices. | Definition | ||||
Term What is described as having a current knowledge of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies? | Definition | ||||
Term Flash memory has many moving parts, making it less durable and shock resistant than other types of media. | Definition | ||||
Term Which Internet communication service can you use to speak to other users over the Internet? | Definition | ||||
Term Which of the following is given as a reason for the popularity of video games? | Definition | ||||
Term With streaming media, you access the media content while it downloads. | Definition | ||||
Term Which Internet communication service can you use to transfer items to and from other computers on the Internet? | Definition | ||||
Term Most people feel that they should be asked before someone posts a picture of them online. | Definition | ||||
Term A study concluded that drivers using hands-free technologies are distracted, miss visual clues, and have slower reaction times. | Definition | ||||
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A headset contains both a microphone and a speaker. | Definition | ||||
Term What is a person called who can accomplish many types of daily tasks using technology? | Definition | ||||
Term Which of the following is NOT true about memory and storage? | Definition Most memory keeps data and instructions permanently. | ||||
Term A(n) ______ system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer or mobile device hardware. | Definition | ||||
Term A(n) ______ disk is a storage device that contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that use magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information. | Definition | ||||
Term Google is an example of a search engine. | Definition | ||||
Term A common way to move an object from one location to another using a mouse is to ______. | Definition | ||||
Term Trojan horses and zombies are examples of ______. | Definition | ||||
Term A computer accepts data, called output. | Definition | ||||
Term Parvati wants to find out more information about purchasing a computer, so she performs a web search. | Definition She will enter the desired search text in the Query box. | ||||
Term Several words separated by spaces used in place of a password are called what? | Definition | ||||
Term Without a built-in card slot, you cannot transfer stored items from a memory card to a computer or printer. | Definition | ||||
Term Which of the following best describes the term, the Internet of Things? | Definition The ability of everyday devices to transmit data to and from the Internet using sensors. | ||||
Term When you ______ computers and mobile devices, you match the files in two or more locations with each other. | Definition | ||||
Term With an all-in-one computer the display device is separate from the tower. | Definition | ||||
Term Individuals suffering from technology overload feel distressed when deprived of computers and mobile devices. | Definition | ||||
Term Activity trackers and smartwatches are two types of ______ devices. | Definition | ||||
Term Keyboards for mobile devices contain the same number of keys as desktop keyboards. | Definition | ||||
Term Gennie has just gotten her first smartphone with a touch screen. Mia is giving her a lesson on how to use the touch screen. Gennie wants to zoom in. Mia tells her she should ______. | Definition | ||||
Term Which of the following is NOT a basic function of a computer? | Definition | ||||
Term Which of the following is most likely to require use of a server, desktop, and industry-specific handheld computer, and is most likely to use spreadsheets, databases, and accounting software? | Definition | ||||
Term Twitter and LinkedIn are examples of what kind of website? | Definition | ||||
Term A(n) ______ is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information. | Definition | ||||
Term A common way to display a shortcut menu using a mouse is to ______. | Definition | ||||
Term www.cengagebrain.com is an example of a valid web ______. | Definition | ||||
Term CDs and DVDs are two types of ______ discs. | Definition | ||||
Term Which of the following is NOT true about digital cameras? | Definition To record video, you must purchase a separate digital video camera. | ||||
Term Which of the following best describes how you can use Facebook? | Definition Share messages, interests, activities, events, photos, and other personal information with family and friends. | ||||
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