Use MagicJack

• 1). Go to the official magicJack website (see Resources) and order the magicJack device. Alternatively, buy magicJack from an in-store or online third-party retailer. The magicJack USB device typically costs around $40 -- as of 2010 -- and includes one free year of local- and long-distance calling.
  
  
• 2). Plug the USB end of the magicJack device into an available USB port on your computer. Connect a regular corded or cordless phone wire to the other end of magicJack.
  
  
• 3). Click the "Click to Register" button on the "Welcome" screen that appears on your computer screen. Select where you purchased the magicJack device and click "Next." Follow the on-screen prompts to register your email address, name and street address for a magicJack account. Select a free telephone number.
  
  
• 4). Check your email address for the password that was emailed to you and enter this password on the magicJack confirmation screen. Click "Next" to complete the registration process.
  
  
• 5). Pick up your telephone and dial a number just as you would for any typical phone service. Purchase the $20 annual subscription required after your first free year of service.
  
  

Use Skype

• 1). Go to the Skype website (see Resources) and click "Join Skype." Type your name and profile information, agree to the terms and conditions, and click "Continue" to register your Skype account.
  
  
• 2). Log into your Skype account. Select the "Call Phones" option and click "See Subscriptions." Select the "Unlimited" plan for unlimited calls to the United States and Canada. Pay approximately $30 -- as of 2010 -- for an annual subscription. Optionally, click the "Online Number" option to pay approximately $60 for an annual subscription for an online number through which you can be reached by others.
  
  
• 3). Select the "Accessories" section in your Skype online account. Review the products available. Purchase a corded USB phone or headset if you want to only use Skype while at the computer. Purchase a wireless headset or cordless phone so that you can use Skype like a regular phone in your house. Wireless and cordless Skype devices require that you have a wireless router.
  
  
• 4). Click the "Get Skype" section in your Skype account. Click "Download Now" to download Skype. Install the application on your computer. Dial phone numbers via the program's keypad if you're using a headset. Alternatively, connect your USB or wireless phone to your computer or Internet connection and dial the keypad on the phone to begin using Skype.
  
  

Use Ooma

• 1). Go to Ooma's website (see Resources). Click "Buy" and read about the Ooma Hub and the Ooma Telo. Both devices operate in the same way; Ooma Telo allows you to upgrade with additional features. Purchase either the Ooma Hub or Telo -- which cost around $200 to $250 as of 2010 -- from the Ooma website or from another third-party retailer.
  
  
• 2). Go to the Ooma website and click "Activate." Click "Get Started" and select your Ooma device. Type the "Activation Code" from the bottom of the Ooma device. Click "Continue." Select a telephone number for your account. Follow the on-screen steps to register your account and submit billing information to pay the required federal universal service charges, state and local taxes, and surcharges.
  
  
• 3). Connect an Ethernet wire from the "Modem" port on the Ooma device to your Internet modem. If you use a wireless router, connect an Ethernet wire from the router to the Ooma device. Connect a corded or cordless telephone wire to the "Phone" port on the Ooma device.
  
  
• 4). Connect the AC adapter from the "Power" port on the Ooma device to your wall's electrical outlet. Wait for the Ooma logo LED to turn blue. Pick up your phone, listen for the dial tone and begin to make telephone calls.