Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Specialty Hosting and Markets : VOIP etc : VOIP Technology Changes, How to do it from your own PC or Server?

[mjaymob]

Hey all, might sound like a strange question, but isn't there a way to have your own VOIP on your own server or home pc? It just seems like somethin changed, that made VOIP cost money now. I remember when that technology was first out, on my old PCS, you could make phone calls from your PC to any house, for free, using little windows programs available, they would even come bunndled with other software.

I even remember a website, I think it was dialpad or callpad, something like that, where you oculd go there and make a call to any house for free. It seems like now, its a 'big deal' and companies are charging, etc. I may be on the wrong page here, maybe the new technology is different, but what ever happened to that?

I guess what Im trying to get at is, I want to try to make pone calls from my PC to home phones like I used to, and wanted to know if anyone knows how its possible to set your own little system up to do it on your own PC or server without having to pay a company? Any input would be REAL nice. Thanks guys

[luki]

Sure, get a phone line from your telco, get some zaptel hardware or an FXO ATA, install Asterisk, connect your clients (phones) via IP and you have a VoIP server. It's all "free" but you still have to pay for the telco line (and any long distance/international charges that apply) and power.

Those free offerings were advertising supported, and someone had to pay for the call. But it was never truly free to everyone.

[GixxerPC]

Good info luki, thanks for the info on the hardware!