[Telephony] Options for Victoria <-> Netherlands communications

[Gustav Kramer]

Hi folks, I need your help!

It looks like I will be transferred to The Hague, Netherlands this
summer and am investigating ways of staying in touch without paying too
dearly for that long distance feeling!

I believe there is broadband available (should be able to confirm next
week) so I am thinking the following:

For my girlfriend: a couple of webcams.  I've heard good things (from
windows users) about the Logitech 4000 Pro. I am happy (well not exactly
happy but I will do it) to switch to windows in order facilitate our
communications - She's strictly windows at this point and I don't plan
to change that - but would prefer a linux solution on my end. Is this
possible?  Worth the effort?  Other thoughts?

For the remainder of my friends, mainly Victoria, Ottawa and Bancroft I
was thinking of some sort of VOIP setup with a local number in Victoria
and/or Ottawa.  Is an Internet Telephone Service Provider the best
route?  If so, how exactly does that work and do you have any
recommendations?  Would paying a friend to have a second number
(distinctive ring) and funnelling that through a server sitting in the
closet be worth looking at?  Are there other options?

I realize that google is my friend but I suspect I will soon be in a
time crunch and figured you guys are the experts and might like a
challenge!  If not, if you could at least point me in the right
direction I would be greatful.

TIA

- gustav