Using the pc as a telephone handset...?

Question

I am aware that a lot of people are asking this question. But the answers to their questions don't seem to apply to mine.

See, I have a 56K modem already set-up. As a matter of fact, I use this modem to connect to the internet. However, my mom sort of gave me the idea of using my PC as a phone.

I've already tried some solutions from Microsoft and other 3rd Party software, but somehow I don't get the results I need or promised by the software.

I'm using XP, and I tried using MS outlook to start a call. This resulted with me hearing the other end, but the other does not hear me.
Now, to my questions...
Is there a way to use my PC as a telephone?
Using windows, is there a way to do this with outlook or any stock software?
What FREE 3rd party software can you recommend as a solution to this problem?

Thanks in advance!
Hope you can help me.
Ciao! :)

Answer 1

I would suggest you to use skype software which is free and it lets you make free calls from one pc to another.
for download go to www.skype.com

Answer 2

Yeah, Skype seems to be leading the way. But it's way better with a high speed connection. Either DSL or cable.