BOINC even has a volunteer help desk where experienced users can advise newcomers via Skype, a free internet-telephony service.

Now her computer's Skype software—which makes possible free phone calls via the internet—rings and “Vera”, sitting in Shanghai where it is late morning, says Ni hao to begin the lesson.

This Internet telephony service allows you to make free computer-to-computer calls, as well as low-cost international calls to landlines and mobiles via the web.