How to Use Skype Like a Traditional Phone

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By bdcblogs
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Use Skype Like a Traditional Phone

By following these instructions you can make Skype work like a traditional phone. Plus you get the following additional benefits: Voice mail, Video Chat, Instant Messenger, Ability to make calls from anywhere with an internet connection... and many more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer
High Speed Internet Connection
Headset
Skype Account
SkypeIn
SkypeOut (or credits)

Step 1

Go to www.skype.com and sign up for an account. Once you have an account, you will have the ability to make and receive calls to and from anyone that has a skype account (for free). In addition, you have the ability to use skype's instant messenger & video chat. These features alone make skype pretty AWESOME! However, read Steps 2 & 3 to convert Skype into a traditional phone.
Step 2

In order to call landlines & cell phones, you'll need to either add credit to your account or purchase a calling subscription. If you anticipate using Skype a lot, I recommend purchasing a subscription. The prices are phenomenal! As of today (1/5/09), you can make unlimited calls to anywhere in the US & Canada for $2.95 a month. Plus, purchasing a subscription gives you 50% off the cost of SkypeIn and voice-mail for free.
Step 3

In order to receive calls from landlines & cell phones, you'll need to purchase SkypeIn. When you purchase SkypeIn they ask you to select an available phone number from almost every area code in the United States. Once you have this number, anyone can use it to call you on skype from a traditional phone or cell phone. ***Money Saving Tip - if you are in a long distance relationship, ask your partner to get a SkypeIn number in your local area code. Then all of your calls to them will be local, instead of long distance.