How to Buy Skype VoIP

Skype is an innovative VoIP product that allows users to make free phone calls to every other Skype user over the Internet. The basic VoIP technology is similar to other VoIP service providers except that this service is available for free. It is limited to Skype users, but there is a charge/fee if the calls are made on regular phones. Another aspect is that it requires you to download its own software and you can make phone calls with minimum equipment requirement.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Internet connection

1. Visit the Skype website (see link below) and learn more about the software and services provided by Skype.

2. Click on the "Download Skype" link. Download the software on your PC and install it. The procedure is simple and you should have no trouble getting the software running.

3. Sign in to the Skype system. Enter essential account information and log into your Skype account. From here you can make calls to regular phones as well as other Skype users. Calls made to regular phones will require you to buy credit.

4. Check the rates for calling numbers in different countries. On the Web site, locate the "Call Phones" tab. Click on it and learn more about calling rates for different countries.

5. Click on "Buy Skype Credit." You can purchase a credit depending on your calling needs. To begin choose as little as $10. This will allow you to experience the voice quality on the calls you make.

6. Click on "Shop" tab. Accessorize your skype experience by buying add-on products such as Plantronics Headsets, Cyberphone K, wireless Olympia dual phone and much more. You can buy these products from the Skype Web site and choose to pay by a credit card or paypal.

7. Buy additional features to maximize your Skype calling experience. Explore paid feature options such as SkypeOut (allows you to make calls to regular phone numbers), Skype Voicemail, SkypeIn (allows you to receive calls from regular phone numbers) and Skype SMS (allows you to exchange short messages). Pay separately for each feature using Paypal or a credit card.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are able to operate Skype using the operating system of the device you install it on. Currently, Skype is available for Windows 2000, XP, Pocket PC, Mac OSX and Linux.
• Do not disconnect your existing phone line, as Skype cannot be used for emergency dialing such as 911. Hence it is not a telephone replacement service.