Skype is user-friendly, compatible with most devices, and is one of the cheapest ways to make international calls, making it an easy way to get connected. Whether you want to connect with family in far-off places or use Skype for international business needs, it's a reliable software that offers great features at great rates.
Overview of Skype:
Skype is a VOIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, service that lets you communicate with voice calls, video calls, and instant messaging all over the world. Although it's free to call other Skype users, you can also make calls to land lines and cell phone numbers for a small fee. You can communicate through Skype using the data plan on your mobile device, or anywhere you have Internet access.
Getting Started With Skype:
You can download the Skype application to your computer by visiting the Skype website. It's free to sign up - you'll just need to create a new user account, or connect with Facebook. Here, you'll choose your Skype username, which will appear when you're online or when other people call you. It's O.K. if your real name is unavailable - other Skype users will be able to look you up using any of the information you provide on your profile.
Making Calls With Skype:
To make a call with Skype, login to your Skype account. You can search for contacts by name or email address, or call a land line. Skype gives you one free landline call, and after that you can add Skype credit to your account. Skype's rates are very affordable, and you can calculate how much your call will cost by following the 'See all rates' link under the 'dial a number' button. Your contacts list will tell you which of your friends are online. If both of you have web cameras, you can have a two-way video chat.
Skype also features an instant messaging feature with plenty of animated emoticons to add to your messages. Other Skype features include sending contacts, sharing screens, and sending files. Sharing screens is great for giving someone live program tutorials or simply showing a document to someone without having to send it. The file sending feature is convenient for small files such as .jpgs or .docs, but isn't the best method for sharing video. Lastly, you can make conference calls with up to five people with Skype. This feature is free for two weeks, but requires Skype credit after that.
Skype Mobile Apps:
With the new Skype Wifi app, Skype guides you to thousands of wifi hotspots all over the world so that you can make international calls with Skype credit, or browse the Internet for low rates in airports and hotels. You only have to pay for the data you use, so Skype wifi is a must-have app for any traveler looking to avoid sky-high International data rates
