There are many VoIP providers similar to Skype that allow you to call PC-to-PC, receive and make phone calls, instant message and share files.
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, can be used in many ways, depending on your needs. There are VoIP providers that allow you to PC-to-PC call at no charge. Some providers also have a phone in and phone out feature. For a monthly rate, you can receive phone calls and call landline phones. Skype is a popular provider of these services. However, there are similar providers to Skype, depending on what features interest you.
SightSpeed
Sightspeed uses patented technology that provides quality sound and video without any delays; this is done by their full-motion, 30-frames-per-second video. Another feature of SightSpeed is the video email. You can send videos of yourself to all your friends, which is much more personal than a text email. You can also use their integrated instant messaging (IM) service. SightSpeed also has features for business such as unlimited video calling, video and voice call recording, administrative console, multi-party video conferencing, never-miss-a-call function, detailed call history, custom click-to-call-me links, multi-user licensing, unlimited PC-to-PC calling, in-call file sharing, multiple video viewing modes, a simple-to-use support site and unlimited video mail storage. The SightSpeed business plan offers worldwide calling and comes with 500 free US calling minutes. SightSpeed will work on both Macs and PCs.
iChat
iChat works with your MobileMe and AIM accounts, allowing you to stay in touch with others via video or text messaging. You can either chat with just one person or a group. Using iChat you can view your friends as if they are sitting around a conference table right there with you. This is done by the iChat three-dimensional view. iChat has an intuitive interface that will let you know when your friends are online and whether they have video or just audio. iChat has a parental control feature that allows you to decide which people your child can talk to online. You set the approvals and it will automatically block any attempts at contact to and from people not on this list. You can show your friends a photo slideshow, presentation or a movie right from iChat. You can share files by dragging them into the chat box. You can also share what is on your screen with the iChat screen-sharing feature. This makes collaborating with a coworker on a project easy. PC-to-PC VoIP calling is free with iChat. However, iChat does not offer phone in and phone out calling. iChat is compatible with both Mac and PC.
Yahoo! Messenger
With Yahoo! Messenger you can send real time text messages to your friends or go to the chat rooms to meet new friends. Yahoo! Messenger also has a photo-sharing feature in which you can share photos from your computer or online photo-sharing albums. You can make PC-to-PC calls using Yahoo! messenger and this is completely free. You can also use Yahoo! Messenger to call your friends on their normal phones or mobile phones for a low price with the Phone Out feature. With the Phone In feature, you can get a phone number for Yahoo! Messenger so you can receive calls too. Using a webcam, you can video call with your friends as well. There is also conference calling available so you can talk to many friends at once. Yahoo! Messenger is compatible with your friends who use Windows Live Messenger, Lotus Sametime and Reuters Messaging. You can also send files to your friends up to 2GB in size.
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