But hey, you could call another computer user in Zimbabwe for free. Start by buying a Webcam. These cheap videocameras aren't just for putting the mundane details of your daily life up on the Web. They add to the amount of data your PC must transmit, and can slow down your conversation even more than a cheap camera will. All these cameras use USB plugs, which transmit information faster than most other types of ports.
Installation is easy.
Always install the software before plugging the camera in. All Webcams come with basic videoconferencing software. Your best bet as a beginner is probably Microsoft NetMeeting, which is free, and therefore is shipped with most cameras. Videoconferencing programs are straightforward, and tend to set up themselves. They use central computers connected to the Internet to route your conversation from your PC to your friend's.