Hello all,
I may be preaching to the converted here but I thought I'd mention a little bit of software that I find really useful. Its called Skype and can be downloaded from:
www.skype.com/products/skype/windows
For those who don't already use it, what it does is let you use your PC (and Mac I suppose) to make phone calls over the Internet. Its free to download, costs bugger all to register (can't remember exactly) and works a treat, IF you have a broadband connection. Its a basic version of what we techo's call VOIP (Voice Over IP). The phone carriers don't like it because the call costs are free! (you've already got your Internet connection) It splits the contents voice calls into data packets and sends them over the internet just like any other internet traffic. Its quite simple to install and use.
I use it quite a lot and it works fine. My off-sider uses it to speak weekly with his two daughters who are on a working holiday in England.
Cheers,
Keith