The newest and most advanced chat tools emulate normal telephones, allowing for long-distance phone calls to be made over the 'net. The original Internet Phone client, launched way back in 1994 by VocalTec, created a revolution in the Internet communications market, and while a number of competitors have jumped into the fray since then, VocalTec's client continues to reign supreme over the rest of the field. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to talk to someone who lives in another state -- or country -- Internet Phones are still your best bet for doing so.