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Skype
Skype is software freely available from www.skype.com. Its website advertises, "Make calls from your computer - free to other people on Skype and cheap to landlines and cell phones around the world."
 
Pros Cons
Free Skype-to-Skype computer callingFor computer calling, broadband access for both parties works best and Skype must be installed on both computers.

Computer connection may drop and you may have to re-establish the call.
If using PCs, can use video cameras to see the caller. Video camera requires optional extra expense and setup for Windows computers.
Good online documentation at www.skype.com. See Skype's list of requirements. Both parties need a headset (or use your computer's built-in microphone and speakers) to talk to each other.
 As noted on their website: No emergency calls with Skype. Skype is not a replacement for your ordinary telephone and can't be used for emergency calling. (More info)