Blog posts and news on April 2007

10 Tips to Filter Out SPIT

With the ridiculous amount of email spam circulating out there (some estimates put this at staggering 82% of all emails), it's hardly a surprise that VoIP would be the next target. With calls being cheap and the technology readily available, spammers have little to discourage them from adding SPam over Internet Telephony (SPIT) to their repertoire. SPIT has the possibility of being even more annoying that your run of the mill spam because,... Read more »

How to: Encrypt Your VoIP

As VoIP becomes ever more popular, the security of these systems becomes more of a concern. VoIP can be vulnerable to a number of attacks due to the nature of VoIP calls. In short, VoIP traffic flows across the Internet in unencrypted packets, which means anyone that has access to the network between sender and recipient can intercept these packets — essentially allowing them to create a recording of your conversation. How can you help secure... Read more »

Five Things I Want Google Phone to Offer that iPhone Won't

The introduction of Apple's iPhone has been heralded by many as a device to revolutionize the telecommunications sector. To some degree, this is true. What the iPhone does, it does well, with sleek and innovative design. But the problem lies in what the iPhone doesn't do, which to a degree might actually be more important than what it does do. Because at $500–$600 it isn't exactly a bargain buy. Apple may soon have a fierce competition on its... Read more »

25 Things You Didn't Know VoIP Could Do

One of the greatest advantages of VoIP over traditional phone service is its versatility, but with the wide array of new features coming out it can be hard to keep track of all of the options that are available. Don't feel bad, unless you are attached at the hip with your computer it can be almost impossible to keep up- but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be enjoying the same features as those with a less healthy attachment to their computer.... Read more »

74 Open Source VoIP Apps & Resources

When a body of independent auditors and experts recommended that the State of California consider open-source software and Voice over Internet Protocol telephony (VoIP) as two measures to cut costs in 2004, that was the signal that open source and VoIP should unite. After all, what's better than free software? Open source projects in other fields like medicine have revolutionized the tools used in ultrasound, x-rays, surgery, radiology and even... Read more »

Before You Migrate to VoIP: A 25-Point Checklist

So you've seen the ads for VoIP. With the growing popularity of VoIP it's hard to miss them and even harder to ignore the kind of savings they promise. But like any new technology, VoIP doesn't come without a few kinks. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't switch to VoIP. But before you take the plunge you should make sure your experience will be a refreshing one. Here are a few tips and precautions to make sure your transition to VoIP doesn't... Read more »

Want Free VoIP? Your Top 10 Options Compared

The following table shows your options for free VoIP service and lists the top ten free offers and trial periods from quality VoIP providers. Of course, no VoIP service is 100% "free", however if you use an online coupon you can get a free trial period and a very good rate. In our opinion, the best free VoIP offers/coupons for residential service... Read more »