Exploring VoIP in Linux
GET CONNECTED
Using a headset and a webcam to make phone calls is easy, interactive, and even free, thanks to VoIP. In this month's cover story, we'll help you choose a VoIP softphone, and we'll show you how to configure your own Asterisk exchange server.
VoIP offers many benefits, not the least of which is economy. PC-based phone calls are typically free, apart from the Internet charges you would pay anyway. VoIP also provides features that aren’t available on most conventional phone lines. For instance, VoIP clients (also known as softphones) support video as well as voice, meaning that the person you call can actually see you. And VoIP is portable. If you register your current public IP address with your provider, your provider can forward your calls to wherever you are on the Internet.
Of course, VoIP has its disadvantages: for a good conversation over the Internet, you’ll need a fast Internet connection. And if you want to receive incoming calls at any time, you will need to leave your computer switched on.VoIP might not be for everyone, but Internet telephony is growing increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional phone services. In this month’s cover story, I explore VoIP in Linux.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you've found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Armbian 23.05 is Now Available
Based on Debian 12, the latest version of the ARM/RISC-V distribution is now available to download and install.
-
Linux Mint Finally Receiving Support for Gestures
If you use the Linux Mint Cinnamon desktop, you'll be thrilled to know that 21.2 is getting support for gestures on touchscreen devices and touchpads.
-
An All-Snap Version of Ubuntu is In The Works
Along with the standard deb version of the open-source operating system, Canonical will release an-all snap version.
-
Mageia 9 Beta 2 Ready for Testing
The latest beta of the popular Mageia distribution now includes the latest kernel and plenty of updated applications.
-
KDE Plasma 6 Looks to Bring Basic HDR Support
The KWin piece of KDE Plasma now has HDR support and color management geared for the 6.0 release.
-
Bodhi Linux 7.0 Beta Ready for Testing
The latest iteration of the Bohdi Linux distribution is now available for those who want to experience what's in store and for testing purposes.
-
Changes Coming to Ubuntu PPA Usage
The way you manage Personal Package Archives will be changing with the release of Ubuntu 23.10.
-
AlmaLinux 9.2 Now Available for Download
AlmaLinux has been released and provides a free alternative to upstream Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
-
An Immutable Version of Fedora Is Under Consideration
For anyone who's a fan of using immutable versions of Linux, the Fedora team is currently considering adding a new spin called Fedora Onyx.
-
New Release of Br OS Includes ChatGPT Integration
Br OS 23.04 is now available and is geared specifically toward web content creation.