General Computer Communication equipment and recommendations:

1.    Any computer with an internet connection, speakers and a mic or a mic headset, can be used for free phone connection to any other computer on the internet using the Skype or other web based phone service.*

2.    With the addition of web cams, two computers anywhere with high speed (more than “dial-up”) can make free video phone calls. (using Skype for free one-to-one and other web services allowing up to 10 or so free attendees for free and pay services for more than 10 and better services.)*

3.    For one-to-one connections (2 people), any equipment can work reasonably well after a bit of adjustments of the sound and mic levels. This means that you can use either a separate mic and speakers or a headset with a mic and earphone. Also, almost any web cam with or without a built in mic will work fine.

4.    For group conference calls, with or without web cams, it becomes more important to use headsets. The value of a headset is that there is less chance of feedback, especially when you have 3 or more people all tinkering with mic and speaker levels. But whatever equipment you use, it is essential to have a practice run with a very patient friend to make sure you made the adjustments and become familiar with your equipment and software.

5.    Headsets with a mic.  Almost any headset and mic combination, such as those that come with Dragon Naturally Speaking or are cheap on-line, will work fine. Again, test several times making actual practice calls. For example, the Koss CS100 Speech Recognition Computer Headset at Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/25gqnma for $15.88 plus shipping.

6.    Speakers and a separate mic. The advantage is that you probably already have speakers attached to your computer and a mic is cheap and can be used for other recording purposes. The disadvantage as mentioned in 4 above, is much greater possibility of annoying feedback, so this method is best for one-to-one, using Skype for example.

7.    Web Cams.  These come with or without a built-in microphone. The cheapest are about $15 plus shipping and probably have a mic. The more expensive run about $70 to $90 and come with or without a mic.  Buy the one with a mic. Later, It is easy to not use the built in mike if you choose to use a headset with mic. The software used to communicate allows you to choose which mic on your system you will be using.

I recommend the better web cams for several reasons. At about $80 they give excellent pictures, have real built in auto focus, and allow you to adjust the camera settings so you look clear, healthy, etc. Physically, they all now use USB connections and come with or allow easy download of software. They either clamp loosely or sit on top of your monitor. The best place to put them is on top and in the middle of your monitor.

I use and recommend the Logitech 9000. It is study enough that it sits snugly on top of a flat monitor, or can be folded to sit atop an older monitor. Also, the 9000 has an excellent built in mic which I like better than a headset. It has anti-feedback software built in and is easily adjusted. But it is good to have an inexpensive headset with mic available just in case the sound get annoying.

8.    Other hardware. If you use a headset, the one drawback is that when it is plugged in, the headset takes the place of your normal speakers. Depending on your computer, you may have to plug and unplug your speakers. This can be a drag as most of us like to hear the various computer sounds and may use our computer for music, Youtube, video and DVD's, etc. A convenient solution is adding a switch that allows you to leave the headset and speakers both plugged in and use the switch to go back and fourth. All you have to do is push one button. I like and use the Plantronics Audio PC Switcher, about $15, but is currently hard to find. http://tinyurl.com/yzksdt8  Another good switch is the Manhattan Speaker/Headset Audio Switch  http://tinyurl.com/ykcsapl for about $10.

9.    Practice Once you have your equipment set up, I recommend you practice calling a friend using Skype. It is free, familiar to many and relatively easy to use. You can call me.

* The only restrictions are that a few countries are blocking or discourage some of the free phone software such as Skype because they fear losing revenue from international phone charges. A few others are currently blocking Skype because it uses too much "band width" thus interfering with other uses. An example of this is Cuba which right now only has access to satellite internet connections, which are limited and very expensive.
 

Walter Teague, LICSW, LCSW-C                            wteague@verizon.net

 

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