How to Install Skype and Talk all Over the World for Free

Skype is a software which, when installed on your computer, allows you to make free calls using your computer to anyone else in the world provided that has also installed Skype on his/her computer. What follows describes how to install Skype on your PC running Windows 2000 or XP and tells what are the advantages of installing and using Skype. But, this information given below covers only PC users. For Macintosh and Linux users, links are provided if you happen to not be using a PC.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Downloading and Installing Skype

1. Go to the Skype Web site (see the Resources section below for links to download Skype for Windows, Mac, and Linux users) and download the SkypeSetup.exe executable.
   
   (The executable gets downloaded under the Program Files folder under a directory called Skype that gets automatically created. A Skype Setup icon is also automatically seen on your desktop.)
2. Click on the SkypeSetup icon that is on your desktop. A Skype Setup wizard then appears.
   
   You will get a warning window asking if you want to Run or Save this file, SkypeSetup.exe. Click Run.
   
   Note: Another confirmaton message may come up asking if you are sure you want to Run this software. Click "Run" again.
3. Follow the instructions on the Skype Setup Wizard to complete the installation of the Skype software.
   
   At the end of the installation you will be asked to setup a Skype account.
4. A Skype window appears and if you have never used Skype before you have the option of creating a Skype account. A link is seen on that window mentioning the following:
   
   "Don't have a Skype name?"
   
   Click on this link and it opens up another "Skype - Create a New Account" window where you have to type in your Full Name and then you have to type in a "Skype Name" and a Skype "Password" and "Repeat Password" in the respective fields on that window.
   
   Note: Jot down this Skype Name and Skype Password as you will need it everytime you open the Skype application.
5. Click on the "Sign in" button.
   
   Note: After having created this new Skype Name account for the first time, the next time you open Skype again, your Skype name will automatically appear in the Skype name field. All you need to do is to type in your Skype password and click the "Sign in" button.
6. Follow the instructions in the "Getting Started" guide to "Add a Contact" using the "Add Contact" button, to test your headset and microphone using the "Skype Test Call Feature," to set up a Conference Call with a business colleague or friend, and to explore all the other features in Skype.
7. Once you have installed the Skype software,
   there are 2 ways by which you can open the Skype software application.
   
   Click on the Skype icon on your desktop
   
   Or
   
   Double click on the "x" icon in your desktop's system tray to start Skype at any time.
   
   Note: Once the Skype window comes up, the "x" checkmark then changes to a green checkmark to indicate that the Skype application is currently running on your computer. It changes back to an "x" mark when you have "Signed out" of Skype and Skype is no longer running on your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• You may also need to configure your Windows XP SP2 firewall by following these instructions below: a)Click Start and go to the Control Panel. b)Click Windows Firewall and the Windows Firewal window comes up. c)Click the "General" tab and make sure that the first setting is "On (recommended)" and that the "Dont allow exceptions" checkbox is NOT checked. d)Click the "Exceptions" tab on the Windwos Firewall window. e)If Skype is in the "Programs and Services" list the checkbox next to it must be checked. f)If Skype is not in the "Programs and Service" list, it must be added to this list, using the Add Program: and then the checkbox next to it must be checked. g)Click Ok in the Windows Firewall button.
• System Requirements for Windows ------------------------------------------- PC running Windows 2000 or XP. Speakers and microphone (either built-in or separate) A webcam (if you want to make video calls) Internet connection (Broadband or DSL connection or Dial-up conmnection) Recommendations: You need to have at least 400 MHz processor, 128 MB Ram, and 15 MB free disk space on your hard drive. Other requirements ------------------------ You need to know the Skype user name of your business colleagues, or friends, or family to add them in your "Contact's List."
• Note: Skype is currently available in English though it maybe available at a later date in other languages too. What's currently offered freely on Skype: ------------------------------------------------ You can talk to anyone on Skype over the Internet all over the world for free. What's currently not offered freely on Skype: ------------------------------------------------------ The following features are not free on Skype, but you have a pay a nominal fee to enable these Skype features and to use these services on your Skype user interface: a)Skypeout (by which you can call to landlines and mobile phones) b)SkypeIn (by which you get a Number and your friends can call in from any phone and you can take the call in Skype) c)Skype Voicemail (which takes your calls when you are busy or offline) d)Skype SMS messages (by which you can send messages to your friends' mobile phones from Skype)

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