Skype
by Dave Clingman
Published Guadalajara Reporter,
July 17, 2009, page 24
These days, you can call anywhere in the world for free. Imagine talking with friends or family in USA, Canada or even Timbuktu for free. You can do this
through the internet using one of several programs. This article will be about a program called "Skype", though there are other options.
Skype allows you to talk with people, and even to see them, for
free. To do this, both you and the other person need a Skype account and the Skype program (free account and free download from
www.skype.com). You will also need a microphone, speakers and a broadband internet connection. A webcam (digital video camera attached to your computer)
allows the other person to see you on their screen as you talk. If you both have webcams, you can see each other.
To begin using Skype, visit their website (
www.skype.com), set up an account and download the software, then double click the Skype icon to install it. Enter your account ID and
password when asked. Click on the "Check Soundworks" button to let the program test your microphone, speakers and webcam. You're now ready to Skype!
For free calls (Skype to Skype), both people need a
Skype account. To add other Skype users to your Contact List, click on the button near the top left that says "New", then select "New Contact". Enter the person's name, their Skype name or their
email address. Skype will find them and ask for their approval. Once they have approved you as a Contact, you can call each other whenever you are both online, and talk for as long as you like. For free.
But say you want to call someone who doesn't have Skype. You can use Skype to call their regular phone number for a small charge. For example, calls to the USA or Canada cost 2.1¢ U.S. per minute (plus a 4¢ connection
fee). Tollfree phone numbers in the USA and Canada cost nothing. Rates to telephones in Mexico are higher.
If you make lots of Skype-to-landline calls, you can pay $2.95 USD per month for unlimited calls to
landlines and cellphones in the USA and Canada. You can add another country (such as Mexico) to this deal for another $2.00, though there are some limitations - read the fine print.
Skype has many other options as
well, such as numbers for landline-to-Skype calls, and Skype-compatible telephones. Visit www.skype.com
for more information.
The sound and video quality of Skype calls can vary depending on the internet speed and busyness. Overall, the quality is very good, like a regular telephone
call. If you get a bad connection, simply hang up and call back again. Chances are good that the second call will be fine.
Skype (or a similar program) is a great way to call others anywhere in the world.
It's easy to use, fun, and can save you money.
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