magic jack

[Was_Just19]

I would love to get rid of my home phone and save $50 per month, but my wife needs a real phone So I need to find a phone adapter that will work with pclinuxos.  This one http://www.amperordirect.com/pc/c-internet-adapters/internet-phone-converter-b2k.html says it supports fedora core3.

Does anyone know if it would work in pclinuxos?  Or if there is anything better.

You are aware that unit is for Skype only?

Yes it can be made to work in Linux ..... it needs a couple of packages installed to get it working.
I am not sure if those packages are in the PCLOS repository ..... possibly are.

http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php?topic=60076.0

If you want access to SIP VOIP then you need a different Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA)

[davidwillis]

Thanks.  Yes I was thinking of just using skype.  But I am really not sure what SIP VOIP is.

Thanks again..

[Was_Just19]

Thanks.  Yes I was thinking of just using skype.  But I am really not sure what SIP VOIP is.

Thanks again..

Simple answer is that Skype is limited to the Skype network and what it provides.

SIP is what almost everyone else in the world is using for VOIP phone communications.

There is one provider of Skype services.
There are thousands of providers of SIP services.

Skype does not play well with anyone else.
SIP is an open protocol so all users of SIP can make free calls to each other over the internet regardless of provider.

With Skype you are stuck with one provider and the rates that provider charges for the various options.
With SIP you have a choice of provider and can use different providers for different calls based on who has the best call rate for any particular country for instance.

Skype is a closed community
SIP is an open protocol that anyone may use.

Choose whichever suits your needs.   

[davidwillis]

OK, SIP sounds good, is there an adapter like the one I was looking at that uses SIP, and Linux?

Thanks

[Was_Just19]

OK, SIP sounds good, is there an adapter like the one I was looking at that uses SIP, and Linux?

Thanks

Yes there are lots of SIP ATAs.
They generally plug into a LAN router port.

They are OS agnostic, requiring a browser to set them up.
After that they work without the PC.

The same info is entered into them that would be entered into a PC client like Ekiga or Linphone or Twinkle etc.

Most providers will supply details on their site and even give example of different hardware setups.

I suggest you read through some of the hits you get from Google using
SIP VOIP
as the search term.

It is noticeable that Skype will be shown here at the top of any search using SIP ....... even though it does not use the Protocol!  The power of money I guess.

You do need to be aware that SIP and Skype are separate.
If you wish to call people using Skype then you need a Skype setup.
If you wish to call people using SIP then you need a SIP setup.

There are some companies now, for a fee, which manage cross protocol calling. They are few and far between ... Gizmo being one.

An example of a hardware page from a VOIP provider

http://www.blueface.ie/helpandadvice/specification.aspx

This is just an example from my provider. You will find similar providers in your locality with local prices etc etc.

regards.

[chiefjim]

I would love to get rid of my home phone and save $50 per month, but my wife needs a real phone So I need to find a phone adapter that will work with pclinuxos.  This one http://www.amperordirect.com/pc/c-internet-adapters/internet-phone-converter-b2k.html says it supports fedora core3.

Does anyone know if it would work in pclinuxos?  Or if there is anything better.

http://www.ooma.com/

You do need a hi-speed internet connection, dsl or better.  Use any phone you like.

[retired]

Great info here. I'd like to suggest another possibility that may suit some people. 1) port your land line to Pageplus and get the $10 card that gets you 4 months of service - at $2.50 a month . Set up a skype account to make outgoing calls - 2 cents/minute. Turn off your landline. Now you've got cell phone service (buy minutes as you need them 6 to 12 cents per minute depending), your home phone number and you are able to receive incoming calls on your cell phone and call them back if at home for either 2 cents per minute on skype or unlimited monthly $2.95 on skype. It's a new day - no more $ 60 + a month for unlimited landline and  $45 a month minimum for cell phone. Goodbye Verizon, AT&T etc.

[davidwillis]

Thanks... very good information.

[wanderer5210]

I believe that's a windows only device.

Just noticed this from the FAQs of Magic Jack, take it for what it's worth:

results    

Your Question

Will magicJack work with Linux?
   Category:  All  ›  Compatibility
 Print Article   |    Email Link
   
Answer
   

Not yet.

We expect to offer Linux support sometime this quarter.

Last Update: Sep 30, 2010

[genomega]

It is possible to use the magic jack service without the dongle on linux but it's not easy.

http://www.magicjacksupport.com/using-magicjack-on-linux-f15.html