[Prov1322]

Is there a free “open source” way to do this yet?

For those with no qualms about using GMail...you get a free Google Voice number or at least call-out abilities with every GMail account.

Set these up several years ago before Google acquired whoever this service was before and have had problem-free phone lines and voice mail with email notice since 2007 or so.

If you choose to not "register" a free line associated with a GMail account (in order to select a permanent number anywhere you want to...local or across the country) you can still call outbound for free (domestically) and the number shows as a generic Google Voice number.

It is perfect for me as I never have to leave the screens when I need to be here in order to make a call with a Dollar Store (HONEST!) headset that has been problem free.

[GeronL]

cool

[VAFreedom]

another vote here for magicjack, it’s so cheap in comparison to regular land-lines.

I believe they do make magicjack2 now, it can plug directly into your router or switch, without a pc.

[Paradox]

For those with no qualms about using GMail...you get a free Google Voice number or at least call-out abilities with every GMail account.

I'll second this, I have been using that for a year, infrequently. Works well and its free. Of course, there are all the usual caveats about Google, so I wouldn't use it for sensitive type stuff.