Guide to Skype | How does it work and when is it useful?
What is Skype
Skype is a program that uses internet to make calls and videocalls, to chat and to send texts and files.
It has about 340 million registered users in the world and since 2005 belongs to eBay, the giant of online auctions, a good guarantee for users.
It can be downloaded from the website Skype.
How it works
With Skype we can call from our computer any other Skype user in the world connected to internet, landlines and mobile phones.
Calls between computers are completely free and the same applies to videocalls with the webcam, chats or to sending files.
To start you only need to download the free software from Skype website and to follow the simple instructions to install it. Then create a user name and add to your contacts the user names of those you want to call.
There are no activation costs.
Tools for the calls
To make calls you can use either the computer's microphone and speakers or a headset. The best quality is optained with the second solution.
It is possible to use cordless phones designed especially for Skype (see below where to find them) that allow to call without the computer.
How much it costs
The software is free and there are no activation costs. Calls, videocalls and chats between computers are also completely free.
Calls toward landlines, mobile phones and texts are charged (the service is called SkypeOut) but the cost is very low because data travels through internet for most of the way.
At the time of writing, prices toward landlines of most countries like Britain, France, Germany, United States, Canada, Australia, Spain and Austria are €0,02 per minute included tax (€1,20 per hour). The complete list of all tariffs is available on this page (link).
It is possible to top-up online on the website of SkypeOut (like a top-up for a mobile phone) or to opt for fixed price monthly subscriptions (not long term contracts) for unlimited calls.
Screenshot of Skype website with subscriptions' prices (click to access Skype website)
Skype on the cordless or mobile phone
On the market it is possible to find cordless phones designed for Skype that work like normal phones and allow to call without a computer. They can be purchased directly on Skype online store.
Skype can also be installed and used on mobile phones with Java.
Where to get Skype
The software can be downloaded directly on the website of Skype.
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