Skype is a free computer program that allows you to make voice calls to other Skype users, anywhere in the world, for free. If that doesn’t sound great, there’s even more. Skype also allows you to make conference calls. You can call up to four other Skype users.

Still not convinced that you need Skype? Maybe you don’t, but it just might be a viable replacement for your old land-line phone. My wife and I have been moving around for the last couple years. As a result, we both got cell phones and canceled our land line with the phone company. The best thing about this move, in addition to saving a lot of money, is that now, when my phone rings, it’s for me, and I rarely get a telemarketing call. Unfortunately, there are several problems with cell phones compared to land lines. First, the voice quality is never as good as a land line and the reception is often poor. Second, if you talk a lot on the phone, cell phones can be very expensive, especially if you go over your plan minutes.

This is where Skype comes in. The Free Skpye is great, but you can only call other Skype users. You can’t call phones and phones can’t call you. For about $75 a year, you can get a Skype plan with unlimited long distance anywhere in the US. In addition, you get a Skype phone number so phone users can call you on Skype. What’s more, you can configure you Skype phone number so it forwards to your cell or land phone after a specified number of rings. That way, you never miss you Skype calls.

I have been using Skype for over a year now and love it. I can make free conference calls to up to four phones and talk as long as I want. Plus, the voice quality is VERY good and the connnections are reliable.