How to Skype

Chat with your friends using Skype.

Use Skype to talk to friends and family from all over the world. With the software downloaded on your computer, you can place calls and chat over the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Headset with microphone or microphone and speakers

Instructions

1. Set up an account with Skype at skype.com.

2. Download the software onto your computer. Create a Skype name once you have the software downloaded.

3. Add money to account for credit. You will need Skype credit to call people without a Skype account.

4. Create and save contacts by searching for Skype users under the Tools menu. Click "Add Skype Contact" to add a contact. If a person does not have a Skype account, add her phone number to the contact name.

5. Start calling. Open the "Call Phones" tab. Enter the telephone number, including country code. Or click on a name from your contact's list. Select the green button.

6. Make Skype-to-Skype calls. Ask you friends to sign up with Skype for and you can talk to them for free.

7. Call within the United States. If someone doesn't have a Skype account, you can call on the landline or cell phone for a rate of $0.02/minute (Alaska is $0.06/minute).

8. Make international calls. Call places like Australia for $.02/minute or Argentina for $.03 a minute. Call Thailand or South Africa for $.07/minute.

9. Send SMS or text messages. Send text messages to any phone that is capable of receiving SMS/text messages. Go to "Tools" and then "Send SMS message." Sending SMS may or may not be cheaper than using your cell phone. Check with you cell phone provider on rates.

Tips & Warnings

• Use microphone and speakers, but a headset will work better.

• Any toll-free number is still free. Instead of using cell phone air time, use Skype.

• Check minute rates on Skype's website.

• Pay as you go or pay monthly for Skype credit.

• Skype has video options, too.

Resources

• Skype: Free Skype calls and cheap calls to phones