Basic VOIP Setup

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VOIP PROVIDERS | Comparison of Free VOIP Providers | Comparison of Paid VOIP Providers | Combining VOIP and Web-Conferecing |

These two solutions offer a fast way to setup and use VOIP without too much technical knowledge.

1. Making Calls Through Your Computer

The simplest and cheapest way to teach Online English is by making PC-to-PCcalls. You will need a computer equipped with a sound card - nearly all computers have this bit of hardware already installed. There are a number of free and paid VOIP Providers in the market. Make sure that you take the time to research and make several test calls with a few VOIP providers,before committing yourself to a particular service provider. Choosing the wrong VOIP Service Provider can severely damage your reputation as a professional Online ESL Tutor.

Hardware Requirements: headphones.
Estimated Cost: US$10 - $20
Network Requirements: see VOIP Network Setup

2. Making Calls Using an Adapter and your Regular Telephone

An ATA adapter (Analog Telephone Adaptor) is the preferred solution for many Online ESL tutors. ATA's offers the best of both worlds - a simple setup process and excellent voice quality. ATA adapters are usually provided when you sign-up with a paid VOIP Service Provider such as Vonage, alternatively, you can purchase it separately for use with many VOIP providers. The ATA adapter connects to your existing telephone, which is than connected to a router. You can usually call another VOIP phone for free, or you can make cheap long distance or overseas call for the same rate as a local call.

Hardware Requirements: ATA Adapter
Estimated Cost: varies
Network Requirements: see VOIP Network Setup

Next: Advance VOIP Setup