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[Nickbat]

For various reasons, I want to get a Skype connection. I've downloaded the software and today bought a Logitech headset at Tesco.

Problem 1: the microphone doesn't seem to work. Look like it's going back in the morning

Problem 2: I have a basic audio setup connected to the soundcard on the PC. How can I set up the Skype headset so that the conversation does not come out of the speakers, just through the headset? Should I use the mobo's audio connections or will that cause a conflict? Should I abandon these connections and get a bluetooth headset instead?

I could probably work out most of these myself, but it's so much easier to ask here, especially if you're a lazy git like me.  

Incidentally, Skype seems like Billy Bunter when it comes to eating up my resources.  

[Kevin Wood]

Might be worth checking in the volume control application that the fader for the microphone is not fully down. If you've got multiple audio devices i.e. not just n analogue headse plugged into the sound card you should be able to selevt which ones the Skype application uses.

Kevin

[Nickbat]

Cheers, Kevin. I did check the fader first, but I'll take a look at the device usage as well.  

[TheBoy]

Not a fan of Skype for a number of reasons, mostly around costs if you want a proper number, and the fact that it needs PC on.

I personally use a SIP based solution, with a hardware SIP to PSTN adapter.

The provider I currently use is sipgate.co.uk (coz its free to sign up, and you get a geographic number), and a Linksys PAP2 adapter so I can plug in normal phone (or phone system in my case).  Visiting anyone for a few days? Just take the PAP2 and plug into their broadband (adjusting firewall if necessary)

SIP, though, like most proper VOIP protocols, is time dependent, so if your broadband is being thrashed, you can get dropouts, bit like mobile phones in weak areas.

Its free, I suggest anyone try it (with software 'phone'), if it doesn't work for you, then nothing lost...

[Kevin Wood]

That's useful information, Jaime. I've been thinking about how to keep my boss connected a little more seamlessly (and less expensively) than he is at the moment. He keeps sloping off to Spain, you see .

A box that he can simply take over there and plug into his broadband connection (assuming VOIP is not blocked by his provider) would be a very neat solution.

Kevin

[TheBoy]

That's useful information, Jaime. I've been thinking about how to keep my boss connected a little more seamlessly (and less expensively) than he is at the moment. He keeps sloping off to Spain, you see .

A box that he can simply take over there and plug into his broadband connection (assuming VOIP is not blocked by his provider) would be a very neat solution.

Kevin

Yup, may need some initial router config down in Spain (f/w, nat forwarding (though most routers have an alg for SIP now, so may just work)).

As said, the downside is it is very sensitive to bandwidth, so you need a line that does not get too busy. Try with a softphone first, and see what results are like....

[iggy21uk]

I'm with sipgate works well.
The only thing against is they stopped letting people with other sip providers calling your sip number
and never told anyone. Found out while looking at a sip forum.

[Kevin Wood]

Yup, may need some initial router config down in Spain

Sounding even better. Excellent excuse for an all expenses paid p*ss up business trip to Spain.

Do you have any experience with wi-fi VOIP phones? Presumably a similar product just packaged differently?

Kevin