Many of the services we recommend offer versions that are 100% free. Typically, these free-forever versions offer fewer features than paid upgrades. However, if you don’t need the full power of the paid versions, these services deliver real value.
Click to learn about Internet based phones (VOIP) and connection quality»
To understand the full value of Dimdim, we strongly recommend you scroll down to the “Video Tour”, and watch the short introductory videos. You will be impressed, and see many business building opportunities.
Fast Sign-up: Try-Out the Full-Featured Free Version
If reliable, basic remote access to your desktop, meets your needs, we recommend LogMein Free, which is 100% free.
If a more robust set of features (click here to see listing) will enhance your productivity, at home or traveling, then we suggest you investigate GoToMyPC, which offers a 30 day free trial.
The value here is so high, at such a great price, that we decided to include this service, even though it is paid. Nextiva inTalk offers high quality phone service, with unlimited local and long distance calling in the US and Canada, and gives your home office big company features at an extraordinarily low price.
Many satisfied customers also use Nextiva inTalk to save money on regular home phone service as well. For additional information on this option, read the final section in the “Phone Instructions” section above these tabs.
(Note: Click on again the above “Click to learn about…” link to close this sliding box).
Nextiva and Business Quality Connections
The Cost Savings Guy extensively tested the sound quality of VOIP connections and chose Nextiva for the high sound quality of its connections (as well as terrific U.S. based customer service and terrific pricing). Our offices have been operating exclusively with Nextiva connections for several months.
There are two important factors in ensuring the quality of your VOIP phone service: (1) the speed, capacity, and reliability of your Internet service, and (2) the type of phone or adapter you use.
Internet Connection Speed and Reliability: Test Your Connection Here
Here’s a free test you can access to see if your Internet connection will support a VOIP connection with high sound quality. Scroll down the page, and press “Click to Start Test” in the middle of the page after you Click Here. In addition, Nextiva customer support, at 1-888-879-1854 will be happy to answer any questions about your Internet connection and VOIP quality.
Internet Phones and Adapters
VOIP phone service require you to use either a phone designed specifically for VOIP or a special adapter. For the inTALK service, Nextiva provides a free adapter (as well as a lower rate) if you purchase a one year contract. Here’s some helpful advice:
- We found that the sound quality of the Nextiva service with a VOIP phone was superb. Our offices use a Linksys or Cisco IP Phone SPA 922. (Linksys is a Cisco company). Nextiva will sell you the phone with the service. You may also find that it’s cheaper at Amazon.com,
or elsewhere, and Nextiva allows you to “bring your own phone” when you use its service. We also found that we needed to purchase an inexpensive Linksys PA100-NA Power Adapterfor these phones.
- We found that the sound quality with the Linksys adapter was very good, but not quite as crystal clear as the phones designed specifically for VOIP. It was, however, substantially better than good cell phone quality.
Nextiva inTalk and Residential Use
Many satisified home office customers also use a separate Nextiva in Talk line for residential use. We recommend this cost-savings, high quality alternative:
Some Advice:
- Most home users want the ability to use cordless phones and multiple phone extensions of the same number.
- This can be set-up with the Nextiva inTalk using the Lynksys Adapter.
- To do this, you obtain a cordless phone system, with one base unit, and multiple handsets that operate on the same line. Since the inTalk system includes an answering service, you do not need an answering machine. However, most cordless systems automatically include one. An Example of a reasonably priced three system, available at Amazon.com, is the Panasonic DECT 6.0-Series 3-Handset Cordless Phone System (KX-TG1033S)
, and here’s the four phone handset version Panasonic Dect 6.0 Series 4 Handset Cordless Phone System (KX-TG1034S)
Note: You can order the Nextiva service and get it up an running before you cancel your traditional phone system. To ensure your absolute satisfaction, we recommend this option.
