Long-distance calls can be expensive, especially if you are calling another country, such as India. Even if you purchase an international calling card, calling India can still be pricey, depending on how frequently you call and how long you talk. Computer technology enables you to make free voice or video calls from your computer. Some services offer unlimited free voice and video calls from your computer, as long as both parties have the required software. Inform your friend, family member or business colleague of these services and choose the option that will work for both of you.
Instructions
Skype
1. Visit the Skype website. Skype is a program that you download to your computer that enables users to make free unlimited voice and video calls to other Skype users. Inform the person you wish to call to follow the listed steps as well.
2. Click on "Get Skype" tap at the top of the page.
3. Download the Skype software. Choose Mac, Windows or Linux, depending on which computer operating system you are running.
4. Follow on-screen instructions for the download and installation.
5. Run Skype once the setup is complete. You may be offered to view a tutorial the first time you use Skype; accept or decline this option based on your personal preference. You will be asked to create a username and password and fill in basic information about yourself.
6. Add the username for the contact you wish to call and then click "Make Call." You do not need a webcam to make the call, but you do need a microphone. Skype does not require you to use a webcam; you may turn your webcam off if you do not want to be seen by the other party.
Google Chat
7. Go to the Google Chat download page. Google Chat is a program that you download to your computer, which offers users to make unlimited free voice and video calls to other Google Chat users. Google Chat requires that you have a Gmail, iGoogle or Orkut account before you can run the program. Inform the person you wish to call to follow the listed steps as well.
8. Click the "Install voice and video chat" button on the right side of the page.
9. Follow on-screen instructions for the download and installation.
10. Log into your Gmail, iGoogle or Orkut account. Add the username of the person you want to call your Contact List.
11. Hover your mouse pointer over the username for the other party, which is located on the left side of your screen under the Chat section. When you hover your mouse pointer over the name, a box will appear.
12. Click on the telephone logo to call the other party.
