Only a year ago it seemed like everyone was using Skype for their VOIP calls. Within the last year, most of the major IM (internet messaging) developers have added some kind of VOIP support to their chat software and video conferencing, so you can use your webcam for making video calls. Better still, inter-operability enables a PC user to chat to a Mac user and vice-versa.

First up is Skype 2.5, currently the most popular dedicated VOIP application, with a Mac OS X version in beta testing that supports video conferencing. The Gizmo Project is a another popular VOIP package, but the Linux version lags behind the Windows release. However, the Mac OS X version is nearly as up-to-date. Windows Live Messenger is Microsoft's VOIP package and replaces MSN Messenger, whilst Google recently release GoogleTalk. AOL are due to release v1.5 of their Triton project, which might be worth considering.

Let us know which VOIP package you prefer (or an alternative such as Wengo, which we aim to get online soon!).

Skype and other VoIP applications are great for chatting over the Internet. With Apple enabling Windows access to iSight (whether it is built-in within your MacBook or external, via the old iSight camera) through Bootcamp, it makes a video chat via Skype a much more realistic prospect.

However, what happens when you're working within Mac OS X, using Skype and a friend wants a video chat? The current Mac release of Skype 1.5 cannot chat with a PC, using video. This is all about to change with the forthcoming release of Skype 2.0 for the Mac. It also supports picture-in-picture, so you can see both yourself and the remote user, on your desktop.

At this stage, it's still in beta, but worth downloading if you're a Mac Skype fan. Grab it here.

Apple users left feeling cold with Skype’s recent updates can now rejoice with the 1.5 beta release that finally enables video calling with the world’s favourite VoIP service. Sporting an improved UI and smoother than expected video; this software will allow you to hold calls with anyone using the Sype software, regardless of what platform. However, Skype do stress that is only a preview version, recommended for experienced users who will not rely on it as their sole VoIP application.

Download here.