Understanding internet "lingo" can be exhausting. Making calls over the internet is commonly known by three terms. The first is Internet Telephony, the second is VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and the third is a very popular company who provide this service, Skype. Think of Skype as the "Kleenex" of the tissue industry.

For the sake of this brief article, we'll use "Internet Telephony". Essentially, Internet Telephony is a method by which the internet can be used to carry your voice, and replace the need for the standard telephone line.

There are three common methods for using Internet Telephony:

(1) The simplest, and usually free application is, "PC to PC Internet Telephony". Skype is a very popular choice for this method of use. Two people can talk computer to computer, just like instant messaging, except they use their voices of course.

(2) The next type of application is a PC to phone connection that enables you to place a call to any telephone in the world from your computer. In other words, you aren't restricted to speaking computer to computer. There is normally a nominal cost for this type of use, however it's very affordable, and in almost all cases, cheaper than regular telephone calling.

(3) The last type of usage, is known as "broadband phone". This is a total replacement of your standard telephone technology. In some cases you can save almost 50% on your phone bill using this type of service. Normally you receive an Adapter to plug your new broadband phone(s) into. It's a very easy replacement, and more and more people are making the switch. For additional information you can read here.