VoIP, which stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol is an exciting synergy between computers and telephony, but don't let that scare you. VoIP is just as easy to use as any ordinary telephone. So, you have heard the buzz and perhaps you are curious about taking the plunge and getting set up with VoIP service. Being so new, VoIP is still somewhat shrouded in mystery. Help is here! In this article we will answer several common questions most people have about VoIP Service and help clear up the confusion about the technology and how it can work for you.
What Exactly is VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)? VoIP is a new technology that makes use of your broadband connection to route your telephone calls over the internet, rather than using the traditional analog telephone lines. This has proven to be a very efficient and cost effective way to place phone calls to anywhere in the world.
Who Can I call? This depends upon your service provider. There are a few different flavors of Voice Over IP Service. Most of the larger VoIP service providers you see advertised to the consumer market (such as Vonage, BlueSky, etc..) work just like your existing phone and enable you to call any phone, anywhere.
What's It Going To Cost? The cost for this service varies depending on the provider and the service plan you select. Currently, most service providers have plans that cost in the $10 - $25 monthly, which is considerably cheaper than ordinary phone service. Keep in mind that this service includes long distance calls. Usually, you can choose from several plans that vary in cost depending on the level of usage you desire. Most companies also offer an unlimited plan that includes unlimited long distance calls.
You will also be plesantly surprised to find that many services such as caller id, call forwarding, call waiting, three way calling, and even voice mail features often come standard with most VoIP plans. Another great benefit is that as it currently stands (in January 2006), the Government does not apply a tax to your VoIP service, unlike the additional taxes and fees that are applied to your standard phone bill. This can amount to a substantial savings alone, but this may only be a temporary benefit. As VoIP gains in popularity, it is more than likely that the Government will find a way to tax that as well.
Do I Need "Special Stuff"? This depends on the provider, once again. One thing that you must have is an always on broadband internet connection. This means DSL or Cable Internet, for home users. Depending on whom you get service with, you will likely have to connect just regular phone to an adapter, or maybe purchase a special phone to use with the service. Check for specials before you sign up, sometimes the equipment is given away for free to encourage you to sign up. Regardless, the investment in hardware for home users of VoIP is very minimal, if it costs you at all.
Can I call 911? You need to check with the provider to ensure that they do indeed provide this functionality. That said, in May 2005, the US Government ordered all interconnected VoIP Providers to provide 911 functionality to their subscribers.
Sounds... Too Good, What's the Catch? Well, there is a minor catch which is that if your internet goes out, so does your phone. This isn't usually too big of a problem, however as most modern broadband ISPs do a great job of maintaining reliable service.
Where Do I Find VoIP Providers? Usually, it is not important that you find a local provider just as long as the provider you choose is based in the same country. Therefore, the internet is a very valuable resource for finding and comparing VoIP providers.
Which one Do I choose? The VoIP provider that you choose is a personal choice, as they all tend to work slightly differently. What sounds the most feasible for your setup and usage requirements is the best choice for you. Do keep in mind that this is a rapidly maturing technology and that changes are occurring all the time. You will want to choose a company that you feel will be able to provide you reliable service in the future.
Interviews are always a challenging time for all, whether it is your first or not. There is a proven way to ease this tension and that is to ?be prepared?. Spare the time to review the most important and recurrent questions and practice the answers. Allow yourself some time to research the company profile, its management and establishment and this will certainly add to your knowledge and also boost your confidence. Prime yourself to acquaint your interviewer with your previous experience in terms of your job title and your previous company's name. Revise your resume thoroughly and discuss your previous company precisely.
Give some time to researching the company's profile, its management and establishment as this will definitely add to your knowledge and confidence as a result. Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in terms of your designation and company name. Make yourself familiar with your resume and you should be able to discuss aspects about your previous company without stumbling over your words. The following are some important guidelines for how to answer job interview questions; they will definitely result in a successful interview:
* ?Can you tell me something about yourself?? A typical opening question in an interview and one where to have to be careful and specific. Your introduction should be completed in as short a time as possible; bear in mind that you will have to cover four important topics: early years, education, work history and recent career experience. Don't waste your time on other albeit important points here. * ?What do you know about our organization?? This is a question in which you will be able to demonstrate your awareness. You should be prepared to discuss the products, services; revenues, reputation, image, goal, management style etc. Never give the impression that you know everything and don't overload the interviewer with unnecessary detail. Take this opportunity to let somebody see that you are a keen learner and you want to find out more. * ?Why do you want to work with our company?? If you are prepared and you know how to answer job interview questions, a question like this one can play a very important role in your selection for the job. Your answer will rely totally upon your depth of research, the sector in which the company is growing and whether it is research and development, finance, strong management, so your answer should be leaning towards the company's requirement. * ?What can you do for us that someone else can not?? Give details about your previous achievements and previous records of successful and timely completion of projects. Discuss your skills and the interests that you listed in your resume and convince the interviewer that you are a valuable asset to the company. * ?What interests you in this position?? Here you will be required to present two or three enticing aspects of the position in conjunction with one or two minor off-putting points. * ?Why should we hire you?? Offer your answer in regards to your ability, experience and energy, your keen aptitude to learning new skills etc. * ?What are your expectations from this job?? Your answer for this question should be oriented towards company opportunities and not directed towards your personal security. * ?How long would you like to stay with us?? Give a positive response that indicates clearly that you wish to work with this organization and achieve the best possible position and that you will remain loyal to the company. * ?What are your long term goals?? This answer should also be company oriented and you should indicate your goals so far as they are relevant to the company's interests. * ?How successful you have been so far?? Speak with confidence and state that you are happy with the way your career has progressed to this point.
Both Amber Lowery & Ray James are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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