Nobody likes to pay for anything that they can get for free. Yet, there are still millions of people in the UK paying for something that would cost them nothing if they simply downloaded free software that takes only a couple of minutes to obtain and install.

That’s because many UK internet users are still using landline telephones to call friends and family, who crucially, are also internet users. Picking up the telephone to call your nearest and dearest may be second nature, but today’s computing technology makes it unnecessary. Anyone connected to the internet via broadband can call other people, also connected to the internet by broadband, for free using their PC.

So, if you are one of those millions still using the landline, instead of adding to the coffers of telecoms providers, liberate yourself and your family from phone call charges by using free messenger software. Perhaps you don’t use it because you’ve tried it in the past and found it difficult and unreliable to use? Well now is the perfect time to take another look.

Most of the providers would acknowledge that when the technology was initially launched a few years ago the quality of calls was pretty ropey. Delay, crackle or modulation problems were common and calls were often dropped mid-conversation. But, follo

wing advances in technology and many refinements to messenger software, reliable crystal clear communication is now available via your PC; certainly good enough to rival any mainstream landline provider.

All it takes is a set of speakers and a microphone, a dedicated USB phone or a mic-enabled headset on which to take and make free calls once subscribed to an instant messenger package. It makes no difference whether you want to speak to someone on the other side of the world, closer to home on even on your own wireless network, the quality of communication will be the same.

In addition, a video calling facility has been added by most of the major messenger providers such as Skype and Hotmail. That means any computer connected to broadband internet with a webcam attached can also be used as a videophone, again simply by installing a simple piece of free software.

As you get more comfortable using the messenger package you will discover plenty of other great free features, such as conference calling. In the past, organising a large family event such as a wedding would have involved making a time-consuming series of phone calls. However, using the conference call facility to get everyone in on the conversation will not only save time, but also plenty of money!

So, join the revolution and start using your PC to make free calls.