You should use a dedicated computer if you will be replacing your telco phone service with a Magic Jack.
I use a relatively inexpensive netbook (Asus 1000HE) which uses 25 watts of power. This is a 1.6 ghz machine so it stands as a testimonial that you don't need a super high powered computer to run the MJ.
It has a fresh load of Windows XP with Windows Update turned off and there is no other "stuff" running on the PC competing for CPU time. The netbook sits high on a shelf where nobody will be tempted to use it for any other purpose.
I also have a WiFi router with QOS (quality of service) controls. It is a D-Link DGL-4300. I set the Magic Jack ports that are used in the router to top priority so that plenty of bandwidth is reserved for the MJ while I am making/taking a call.
Ports that I have observed in use are TCP 1192 and a range of UDP ports from 49178 and up.
If you are dumping the Telco, you can wire the Magic Jack to your entire house phone wiring by simply going to your telco interface box outside, open up "your" access door and unplug the telephone style plug from the box. (some boxes may not be set up this way). Once you are disconnected from the Telco (and make sure you are), plug the Magic Jack into any telephone outlet in the house. You now have Magic Jack on all house telephone jacks.
My Magic Jack calls are crystal clear, no echos, cutouts or choppyness.
I believe that this combination of a clean PC and proper setup of the router is one good way to ensure successful use of the Magic Jack.
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