Ever get a really funny voicemail from a friend or family member that you want to transfer to your computer for safekeeping? Some phone services provide ways to do this, but if not, you can do it yourself for $10 using a few downloadable programs.

1. The first thing you'll need is Skype, a free Internet calling program. Go to Skype.com and download and install the version that matches your operating system.

2. Once you've got the program running and an account created, you'll need to buy Skype Credit so you can call your cell phone or land line voicemail. The minimum credit you can purchase is $10, which gives you about 500 minutes of domestic calling.

3. Go to pamela-systems.com to download and install a free plug-in called "Pamela for Skype," which lets you record your calls, but only on the Windows platform.

4. When prompted, agree to allow Pamela to use Skype. With both Skype and Pamela open, dial into your voicemail. Decline the option to begin recording your call. When you get to the message you want to record, click the record button in Pamela. When the message ends, click the stop recording button. You don't have to use a headset to do this.

5. The messages you record will be automatically saved as MP3 files in a newly created folder called "Pamela," which is in your documents folder, so you can e-mail them, burn them to a CD or transfer them to an iPod. You can also listen to your recorded messages in Pamela.

Although Skype works on both Macs and Windows PCs, Pamela works only on Windows. There are programs you can buy to record your Skype calls on a Mac, such as Call Recorder ($15, ecamm.com/mac/callrecorder/).