Available on Amazon Fire Phone, Android Smartphone, Android Tablet, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac, Windows Phone and PC. Text, picture messaging and screen sharing are also options with ooVoo. How it helps: You can bring up to 12 people into the conversation and see them all at the same time while you’re talking. You’ll need to download ooVoo to get started, and those you talk to need to have the program running, too.

How it works: Like Skype, can act as your computer’s personal telephone. If you’re calling a cell or landline, calls will cost, but the rates start at a reasonable 2.3 cents a minute. If you have relatives overseas or travel frequently abroad, this program is an inexpensive, easy way to chat. But where Skype can really benefit families is when they’re spread across continents. There are some limitations: Certain family members might not be willing to do the download.

Skype will automatically grab all of the names and numbers in your contact list, so you can just click and call. You can give them a quick call right from your computer. Like instant messaging, Skype lets you know when someone from your contact list is online.

Also, you can choose to have Skype run on your computer all the time. How it helps: Beyond calling, if you have a webcam, you can talk live to family members (only one-to-one no multiple call-ins). If the other person doesn’t have Skype, you can still call their cell phone or a landline, but you’ll pay a nominal per-minute fee. Once you download the program for free, you can call anyone else who has it (and there are millions!). How it works: Consider Skype your computer’s answer to the phone. Read on to hook up with three primo options. Even better, most are free or inexpensive. The good news is, there are plenty of web services and applications out there that can help – no matter how spread out your family is. Is your brood in need of a high-tech upgrade? Many families who have cut back on travel are looking for ways to keep connected to their out-of-state relatives.

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