http://live.pirillo.com/ – Voice over Internet Protocol – VoIP – is a method of using the Internet to talk to people. VoIP technologies can be either software or hardware; for example, Skype offers both a software solution as well as a hardware solution. They offer quick, easy, and cheap access to anyone with a telephone (some services charge a low monthly rate for unlimited calling!)

VoIP does have its downside though: it doesn’t have its own infrastructure and has to rely on the Internets infrastructure to work, whereas a standard "land line" service does not rely on the Internet for its infrastructure.

Before you decide to go with a VoIP service there are a few things you should know:

• VoIP services generally do not come with a built-in 911 service. Some services offer E-911, which requires you to manually configure. If you don’t configure it you won’t have access to 911.
• VoIP runs on the Internet, so you need to have access to a high speed Internet connection.
• Since it runs on the Internet, VoIP also requires electricity to operate. If there is a power outage in your area you will not have telephone service until power is restored.

Do you use a VoIP service? If so, which one. If no, why not?

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