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Step 1
Run and launch the Skype software. Log in to the system by entering your Skype username and password.
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Step 2
Manage your Skype contact list. Make sure you have added and updated your contact list before beginning. The ‘Contacts’ tab allows you to view the added numbers along with the names. Online contacts will appear on top of list with a green icon. To add a contact at any time, simply click on ‘Add Contact’ and enter the username ID of the person you wish to add.
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Step 3
Update your status. At the bottom of the screen, you can select ‘Do not disturb’ if you do not want to receive any messages while online.
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Step 4
Explore the ‘History’ tab. All your previous conversations are recorded here. Double click on any event to resume or rejoin the activity.
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Step 5
To make a call, simply click on the name in the contact list and press the green phone icon button located at the bottom. You will see a ‘Ringing’ status on the screen until the person answers or picks up the call. On receiving the response, the connection is established; you will see the ‘call duration’ along with time elapsed on the screen.
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Step 6
Learn how to use advanced options while making or receiving calls. During a call, you can right-click on your contact’s icon to browse the options. Click ‘Mute’ to make quiet your side of the call, or click ‘Hold’ for taking another call. Click on ‘Send File’ to share a document or photo. To end the call, simply click the big red button at the bottom of the screen.
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Step 7
Explore the SkypeOut usage. It allows you to make calls on other phone numbers. Click on the ‘dial’ tab on top of the screen. Type in the number you want to call and make sure you enter the international code, even if both you and the person you're calling are residing in the same country. Press the green button for making the call. To add this number to your contact list, simply right click and choose ‘add to the contact’. Press the red button when the call is over.
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Step 8
Learn how to make conference calls. Click on the ‘Conference call’ button located at the top of the screen. It will open a new window. Start by typing in a topic for the call. Invite others in your contact list by selecting and clicking the 'Add' button. Use the ‘Ctrl’ key to select up to 4 contacts at the same time. Then click on the ‘Start’ button to call and connect with each participant. This will take a few moments until everyone joins the conference call. To end the conference call, click the big red button at the bottom. On confirmation, click ‘yes’.
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Step 9
Activate your Voicemail. To do this, select ‘Voicemail’ from the ‘Tools’ menu. In the new window, if you want your unanswered calls to go through to voicemail, select ‘Send unanswered calls to Skype Voicemail’. To change your message, click the record button marked with a red circle in the middle. Wait for the beep and record your message using the microphone. Click the record button again to stop recording. You will be able to view the new voicemail message by pressing the green button.
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Step 10
Explore the ‘Privacy and Notifications’ features. You can choose to monitor chats using the ‘privacy’ tab. In case you want to receive calls from people you know, check the ‘only people from my contacts’ option for calls. Skype allows you to save the text of your chats. To clear the chat history, click the ‘Clear History’ button. If you don’t want your chats to be saved, select the ‘no history’ option.
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Step 11
Explore the video calling options of Skype. You need Skype Version 2.0 or higher to enable video calling. Make sure your Web camera is installed on the computer. Use the USB connector cable to plug in your Web camera into the computer’s USB port.
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Step 12
Understand free and paid features on your Skype service. Group chats, conference calls, calls to other Skype members along with video chats are provided free. You can call other numbers and mobile phone users at nominal rates. Review the complete list on pricing on the Skype Web site.
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Step 13
To exit Skype, click Sign Out.
