A few question. Virtual Linux Server + Asterix.

Hey.

Im new to Asterisk PBX all together.
I found out about it when i was fed up with services like freecall.com and decided to make my own, for person use and for friends.

So, I have read alot about Asterisk, but still have some unanswered questions.

I want to run it on a virtual dedicated linux server. I read it cannot be done on FreeBSD. Whats the best server to do this on? (easiest to set up).

Is this to make phone calls from VoIp to VoIp only within my future server, or, can i make phone calls to e.g. BT phone lines and or mobile phones?

Can i use this from anywhere? Like if i cannect to wifi or edge at a hotspot or cafe or mcdonalds etc.. (e.g. with an ipod, iphone, sip mobile)?

Also, i read that i can make phone calls only to US ? (I dont see how a country can make difference.... (p.s. im in UK))

The reason i ask, is because I have heard contreversual things, which does not make this clear.


Thanks in advanced! =D

just to answer a part of your questions setting up a PBX(asterisk or other) will not replace a service such as freecall.com. you will still need to use such a service to connect to the pstn. so any calls to the US or any other country will still be routed via a SIP or IAX termination company of your choice. of course you can use these services directly with whatever phone you are currently using for freecall.com. you do not eliminate the need for a termination service by using a PBX.

the reason for setting up a PBX would be to get advanced call features such as least cost routing, conference rooms, multiple extensions, etc.

spg

p.s. you could setup a PBX at your home or office and interface with your PSTN POTS or ISDN phoneline through a gateway to use from a remote location in place of freecall.com; but i am not thinking that is your intention.

Hey, thanks for reply.

I for some reason thought, it would allow me to make free phone calls. I thought freecall etc. did the same thing and just sold there service =D

I gues to do this id need a box with many phone lines connected to it? Dam.

Well, I gues i have to stick with using 300minutes a week free with voipbuster.com

I was just really confused, why there is such thing =P
Another program called SipX (free) or voip linux live cd (400$) claims that it makes a sever to make phone calls. With this, turns your box into a webhost. Has built in website interface for users to login and sign up.
I gues this doesnt work either...?

blizma :

Hey, thanks for reply. I for some reason thought, it would allow me to make free phone calls. I thought freecall etc. did the same thing and just sold there service =D I gues to do this id need a box with many phone lines connected to it? Dam. Well, I gues i have to stick with using 300minutes a week free with voipbuster.com I was just really confused, why there is such thing =P Another program called SipX (free) or voip linux live cd (400$) claims that it makes a sever to make phone calls. With this, turns your box into a webhost. Has built in website interface for users to login and sign up. I gues this doesnt work either...?

the biggest part of establishing a service like freecall is likely the business negotiation(with the major phone companies) that gets them the cheap wholesale termination rates more than anything to do with technology.

just to be clear. freecall pays money for the calls you make for free using there service. they offer the service hoping that you also use it to call paid destination; or that you pay the 10 euros for 120 days and than use it only a little. it is basically what the retail industry calls a 'loss leader' not some magic way to terminate phone calls for free.

if you want bypass the phone companies the thing is to get as many of your friends as possible to sign up for sip services and than call each other using SIP address's instead of phone numbers.

p.s. a lot of times when you here about 'free calling' in the world of voip what you are reading about is from one voip phone to another not calling to the traditional phone network.