Yes, it is very easy to set-up residential voip. Actually there isn't really anything to "set-up" Just follow the directions!
Good Luck!

What do I need to buy in order to set up VoIP at home?

From there, is it possible to work out how much I will save over a year or two years?

I run a 512k ADSL connection. I pay $30 a month line rental. GRRRRRH!

Hi Roly Poly

Setting up VoIP is easy

You will need to use either a Soft phone on your computer or a converter that allows you to use a normal phone handset with VoIP.

If you look at the VoIP section of www.Phonechoice.com.au you can see the costs so you can do some savings estimates

Hi

I am computer illiterate and somewhat old.

At the moment I use DialUp because I spend hours on the web and it's cheap even if slow.

Becazuse I have relatives overseas I need VOIP to lessen costs

Is there anybody around who could explain in "play School "language what I need to buy at a minimum to achieve this?

Thanks

Hi Misty

If you are using Dialup then VoIp is not for you because it really requires a faster connection to the internet,
a good alternative option for cheaper long distance and overseas calls would be a calling card.
Calling cards are available at many convinience stores and offer cheap overseas calls but you have to buy credit upfront, they do not require you to use your computer at all just your normal telephone.

If you really wanted VoIP then you would need to upgrade to an ADSL Internet connection and purchase a bxo to connect your phone to the internet (called a VOIP ATA) all this my be too much expense and complication if you are only making a few calls.

Unless you are deploying VoIP in your business, setting it up and getting it running is a breeze. With each service comes the instructions for setting up, of which some are good and some less so.

Way back in the dawn of time internet wise when calls to yankeeland cost dollars per minute, I used H323 protocol internet phones on a dialup connection. Voice quality was lousy compared to the current SIP protocol systems but it still saved a fortune on call costs. Dunno if the ony systems are still around these days, probably not because who uses dialup anyway ?? I've configured MNF VOIP over a number of entry level (256k) ADSL connections and it invariably works fine as long as you don't use the internet at the same time as you or she who must be obeyed are prattling on the phone. Buy a pre-configured analog telephone adaptor and as long as you can figure how to plug it in then it works out of the box, even my technically challenged 86 y/o mother can use VOIP. Savings will obviously vary, but as an example, my call costs dropped from just under $100 per month to less than $20. Main 'gotcha' if you want better than Tel$tra reliability & some semblance of support is to go with a proper professional company like MNF or engin & avoid the 'cheap' boy wonder shows like PT. GF has $29.95 per month 300Mb ADSL 256 with MNF VOIP and hasn't made a Tel$tra call in three years. I have ADSL2 with both MNF & engin, and have made ONE Tel$tra voice call in four years. Don't even think about fallback with MNF or engin because both are infinitely more reliable than Tel$tra. In fact GF has been able to use MNF even when the Tel$tra line is not usable for voice calls.