If your family or friends are overseas, you can talk for as little as 3.9 cents a minute. There are several free services out there. There s nothing to download or install. The quality of sound is as good as your microphone and speakers attached to your computer system. If you are uncomfortable using a microphone, you can buy a handset that looks like a real phone.
Headsets are available for additional privacy as well.
The person you are calling does not even have to have a computer. They also offer netword, a service that lets you call the website you are currently surfing. The video calling allows you to see your friends and family when you are using an Internet web camera. This site also allows you to transfer data and pictures while you speak. With bill paying on line with services like Paypal, you can verify if the check is really in the mail.