We last discussed E-mail and its place in the grand scheme of the Internet. Now, you’re up on the net and e-mailing with everyone in sight. So far so good. But all the advantages of this communication can’t always take the place of direct, immediate, two-way, voice-to-voice dialogue.

Recent developments in the web and associated software now enable pairs of Internet users to talk to each other, very much like a telephone (but not quite). Well, there’s good news and there’s bad news…

The good news (the hype): using the Internet, you can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world, any time, any day, as many times and for as long as you like – for FREE!

The bad news (the reality): there are restrictions or qualifications on every piece of the hype.

-- First of all, both talkers must be Internet users, that is, subscribers to an Internet access service. They must also have a computer, modem, phone line and browser software. Both must have audio capabilities: sound card, speakers and microphone.

-- The Access service will charge a monthly fee ($15-$20, in the U.S.). If you use an "on-line service" (AOL, etc.), you will also pay for your connect time, after 5 or so hrs./mo. The on-line services may also levy charge per message. (These are some of the reasons why on-line services may not be the best way for you to get to the Internet.)

-- Each must also be using the same "Internet voice" software package (but see below). There are a half-dozen plus of these products on the market; some can be tried for free.

-- Next, although a 14,400 modem is "adequate", according to many of these packages, the fact is that a 28,800 modem makes so much difference that it should be considered essential. The corollary to this is that both must have high-quality telephone lines – not always to be taken for granted, especially in other countries.

-- Unlike a telephone, the caller cannot "ring" the recipient, to let them know a call is incoming. As a practical matter, these "calls" must be scheduled, so that the receiver is connected to the Internet and has the right software running to accept the incoming call. (Such an "appointment" can easily be setup by e-mail.)

-- Some hardware configurations and/or software systems are "simplex" – one person speaks at a time. This requires the users to "press to talk", much like a conventional two-way radio.

-- The technology is evolving rapidly and cannot (right now) be characterized as stable or reliable. Users report that sometimes one program works best, sometimes , another. Individual programs are continuously being upgraded and released, as new versions, to fix bugs, add features and improve reliability. "Can you hear me now?" is often the most used phrase in these conversations.

You may have noticed that I have not entirely deflated the hype. Voice over the Internet does work, often very well. Clearly, time will bring both higher quality and improved reliability. Like so much on the ’net, those who get onboard now, and put up with the frustrations of a new technology, will be the ones who will be using it to full advantage, as it matures.

One step of this maturity was reported recently when Intel announced a new standard for telecommunications which will enable users with dissimilar hardware and software to conduct successful voice communications. This is much like enabling telephone users with equipment made by different manufacturers and having different long-distance carriers to, nonetheless, talk with each other. The latter, we have taken for granted forever; the former is almost here.

For those who need immediate, two-way communication, but can do without voice (or this isn’t a good day for voice), there are many programs available which permit two (or more) Internet users to type to each other and immediately see the results of their partner’s (s’) typing. This is a good alternative which is reliable, easy and doesn’t require the sound card, speakers and microphone. In fact, most of the voice communications programs also incorporate a keyboard-to-keyboard mode to negotiate initial voice setup and as a fall-back when the voice mode falters.

Future articles will explore:

• Who is actually using the World Wide Web, and how?
• How can you find what you’re looking for when you don’t know what you want?
• Aside from NBC and CNN, who is really promoting their business with a web page?
• What is there on/about the Web that is particularly of interest to aging Baby Boomers and Senior Citizens, and others who are Computationally Impaired?

(photo credit: Greg Wenger)
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