The triad of computers, internet connection, and internet phones comprises the basic components of internet telephony or VOIP.

For fast computers, some of the factors to peak performance include inherent hard drive capabilities and memory size.  But as in the case of fast machines that we see on the road, sound drivers, ie, computer drivers, are key.  Especially since outdated drivers may be  associated with poor PC performance, hardware failure, and computer freezes.  Regular driver updates can lead to better PC performance.

Reliable internet connection, including via broadband connection, ensures rapid transmission of data (voice, text, image).   And to truly enhance the internet phone experience, supplementing with  webcams or use of internet video phone provides for voice plus visual communication.  And of course, the quality of the VOIP or internet phone service provider will also come into play.

No matter the season, whatever the reason, an augmented communication experience enables one to stay connected with family and friends and gets better with the essential components of VOIP or internet telephony functioning at their optimal performance.

According to internetworldstats.com, latest world internet usage data shows that out of a total world population of approximately 6.7 billion, there are about 1.7 billion internet users worldwide.  For the US  alone, ~250 million out of more than 300 million Americans (or 74% of the population) use the internet.  However, the majority of those who surf the internet (or surf the web; although technically different, the web and the internet are sometimes loosely used interchangeably) have done so thru their desktops or laptops as the potential of regular internet use
over mobile phones remains to be fully utilized.

Fortunately, most of the available mobile phones and so-called smart phones now have built-in browsers as wireless providers aim to go beyond just voice service.  Also, some of the leading wireless and internet companies in tandem with the Worldwide Web Consortium are in the process of working on website development guidelines designed to make it easier to surf the web on mobile phones or cell phones. Some of the salient points include guidance  on appropriate use of large graphics or popups (that could clutter the mobile phone screens) and of cookies (which store information on the viewer’s device) and placement of content at the top of the cell phone screen in order to avoid scrolling thru multiple navigation links.

Social networking media, such as the micro-blogging site Twitter, have contributed to the growth in the number of consumers who use their cell phone or mobile phone to access the information superhighway that is the web.   As more advances are made in internet technology, the popularity of using cell phones to surf the web is on the rise.   And hopefully, the benefits in terms of convenience and getting the right information in a timely manner or via some other innovative applications will lead to a better world.

Some of the internet phone services may be either via phone-to-phone, personal computer (PC) to phone, or PC to PC.

Among the internet phone providers include (and not limited to) the following:
FreeWebCall
GoogleTalk
iConnectHere
MediaRing
MSN
net2phone
PalTalk
PC2Call
Skype
Visitalk
WowRing
Yahoo! Voice

In particular, VOIP via PC to Phone has gained ground and greater acceptance as more and more people realize the benefits of internet telephony. There are providers that allow individuals to make free telephone calls, such as via programs that enable one to call anywhere in the world for free on the 3 Skypephone. There are also other programs wherein ultra-cheap or inexpensive rates  are applied to those on landlines or regular cell phones almost anywhere around the world (as appropriate with local telecommunications regulations).