[NTLUG:Discuss] VOIP and Linux

[Jack Snodgrass]

What's the cheapest way to use linux (or a standalone device ) to make
and take standard,
VOIP calls.... I'm specifically thinking of a private network type
thing... not something
public like vonage. USERa has a phonebook with USERb's IP Address. USERa calls
USERb and their voip phone rings.... 


I have a pair of Voip Blasters that talk to each other, but they ONLY
talk to each other.
If I want to talk to someone else.... they have to find a
not-made-any-more Voip Blaster
and then we can only talk to each other and no one else.....  I'm
looking for something
that follows the SIP or HS.whatever standard. 


I see a lot of 'USB VOIP' handsets... do they 1) HAVE to use some
public service and 2)
do they work with linux? 


I also have a preference for a real handset that I can hold in my
hand..... speakers and
microphones are pain.


Thanks - jack