By Janea Tate

 Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a nominal fee using a debit-based user account system.

 SkypeOut– You can call a real phone number from Skype. This is not free like Skype to Skype calls but is cheaper than what the call would normally cost.  SkypeIn – For people to be able to call your Skype account from a phone, you need a SkypeIn number to give to them. Receiving calls from phones doesn’t cost you anything but will charge the caller the same rate as if they were calling a real phone.

 File Sharing – You can easily send files over Skype to any of your Skype contacts. There are no size limits for the file, which is a benefit over restrictions. For security reasons, before the file transfer can begin, the recipient has to approve the transfer, thus the person has to be online for the file transfer to take place.  Conference calls – You and 24 other people can engage in a conference call using Skype. This makes having group discussions with staff that are located in various parts of the world much easier

 Instant messaging – In addition to talking with your Skype contacts, you can type messages to them while you are having a voice conversation or if you cannot talk to them at a particular moment.  Text messaging – You can use Skype to send text messages to any cell phone in the world. The rates vary but are generally cheaper than what a text message usually costs.  Voic – If you want people to be able to leave you voice messages while you are on another call or offline, you can set up voic on Skype for $3/month or $20/year.

 250 million account users worldwide  Academics and researchers keeping in touch with colleagues around the world  Students, Faculty, and Staff needing to make connections with those outside their local calling zones  Students wanting to get in touch with text book authors or subject matter experts  Family and Friends communicating to soldiers over seas.

 To use Skype for Mac OS X, you need the following:  Macintosh computer with G4, G5 or Intel processor, 800 MHz or faster.  Mac OS X v (Panther) or newer.  512 MB RAM.  40 MB free disk space on your hard drive.  Internet Connection (GPRS is not supported for voice calls).  Either a built-in or external microphone is required for voice calls.  The best sound experience on Skype can be achieved when you use, either USB or regular headset.

Users download a free application creating a distributed network of computers running the service  Download the Windows Skype installer from the website: ◦ Save the installer to your computer, then run the file. ◦ Read and accept the license agreement, then click the \Next" button.  Make sure to unselect the Google Toolbar option on the following screen if you do not wish for it to be installed along with Skype. ◦ Continue clicking \Next".  Allow the program to install. ◦ Click \Finish" when the installer is complete.  Run the program from the Start Menu.

 Creating a Skype account is very easy and can be done through the program. At the initial login screen ◦ select the option just underneath the \Skype Name" text box to create an account. A window should pop up. ◦ At the window, fill in all the necessary information and create the account. ◦ If necessary, log into Skype using your new account name and password.

 You can make Skype-to-Skype calls to people on your Contacts List. ◦ To add someone to your Contacts List  select the \New" button on the main screen.  In the \Add Contact" window, type in the appropriate information about the person who you wish to add.  You can now call that person by selecting their name on the Contacts list and clicking the green Call icon.  Select the Video Call button if you wish to make a video call and have a connected webcam. When their name appears in the list, select them and click \Add Skype Contact".

 Conference Calls:  To make a Conference Call, select the New button and select the Group option.  Drag and drop all participants from the Contacts list to the Group call list before initiating the call.  Chat:  Begin by selecting the chat participant from your Contacts List.  Type into the chat box to initiate a chat with them.

 Skype provides access to voice and video communication for a fraction of what other options cost.  Phone conversations are often preferable to an exchange of , and Skype gives phone access to people who might not be able to afford it otherwise  Skype brings users within reach of almost anyone, without going through the channels of an IT support desk. Particularly in the case of international phone calls.  Skype has easy access and is easy to use.

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