How to Use a Laptop As a Cell Phone
By TS Jordan
With nothing more than an Internet connection and a headset or microphone, you can use your laptop as a cellular phone. There are a number of service providers such as Skype, FreeWorld Dialup and Yahoo Voice Messenger that will enable you to place calls to individuals as though you were using a cellular phone. The setup procedure is fairly basic, so you should not worry about getting in over your head if you are not technologically minded.
Download your chosen Internet phone service client.
Save the downloaded file to your desktop for safe keeping.
Double-click on the downloaded installer file and follow the onscreen directions for your chosen model to install the software.
Plug your microphone or headset into the machine.
Restart your computer.
Click on the "Start" menu and open the "All Programs" list.
Open the program, enter in a number to dial and press the "Call" button to complete a connection.
References
Tips
- Note that these services are generally only free when making calls to other individuals who are on the same type of service (for example, Skype-to-Skype calls or Yahoo Voice-to-Yahoo Voice calls). There can be a charge for using these services to connect to land lines or other cell phones.
Writer Bio
TS Jordan is an Ohio licensed attorney living and practicing out of the Cleveland area. In addition to his Juris Doctorate, he holds a Bachelors' Degree in Information Systems. He has been writing professionally for less than a year.