Today’s technology has advanced so much so that one can make a phone call over the internet. This is called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). What you need is just a computer, an internet connection, an earphone with an attached microphone and you’re all ready to talk to someone over the internet instead of using the phone (Ezine@rticles). There are various servers such as Skype, Aculearn and MSN Messenger that provide such a function of talking over the internet. With VoIP, calls across countries are free. No more the fear of bursting your pockets over a phone call.
If your friend or relative is overseas, you can look them while talking to them. All you need is an additional gadget – a webcam, and you’ll be on your way to talking with them face to face. You can also do video conferencing with a number of people with the use of the program called Aculearn.
In addition, communication via sending emails have become the preferred option over sending snail mails. According to a survey carried out earlier this year by a UK-based internet-measuring company, in January 2002, UK homes sent and received 550 million emails but only 258 million letters (BBC). Reason why emails have an advantage is because it’s fast and cheap. There’s no need to wait for eons before your letter arrives. With just a click of a button, you are able to receive your friend’s letter. But having said that, emails do have its cons too. For example, there’s no personal touch if the letter was sent through the email.
