How to Make a Phone Call on a Mac Computer

With the development of high-speed Internet, more and more people have turned to VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) technology to make phone calls. VoIP uses the Internet to deliver voice communications and connect computers and phones with one another. One of the easiest and most widely used VoIP software is Skype. Skype allows users to make calls between computers for free, and you can also use the program to directly call land line and mobile phones for a rate far lower than the phone company. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a phone call on a Mac computer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go to skype.com and select the "Download" tab on the navigation bar. Download the latest version of Skype for Mac OSx.

2. Once the file has finished downloading to your computer, double-click the .dmg file to mount it onto your desktop. Double-click the mounted volume on your desktop and drag the Skype icon to your "Applications" folder. Skype is now installed onto your Mac.

3. Open Skype on your computer. The opening window prompts you for a Skype name and password. Click the "Don't have a Skype name?" link. Enter a Skype name, password and email address that you will use for your new account. Agree to Skype's terms and conditions and click "Create."

4. Go back to skype.com. While Skype allows users to make calls from one computer to another for free, you pay for calls from your Mac computer to either a land line or mobile phone. Scroll down the page to the "Call phone from Skype" section. Click either "Pay as you go" or "Pay monthly."

5. Click the "Buy Skype Credit" to purchase credit that allows you to make calls to land line or mobile phones. Sign in to your Skype account with the Skype name and password you just created. Enter the amount of Skype credit you want and your payment method. Click "Buy now."

6. Once you have purchased your Skype credit, open the Skype application on your Mac computer. Sign in with your Skype name and password. On the upper right corner of Skype, you should be able to see your newly available Skype balance.

7. At the bottom of your Skype window, click "Call Phones or Send SMS." A numeric keypad will pop up. Enter the phone number you wish to call and click the green phone icon on the bottom right corner of the window.

Tips & Warnings

• Macintosh computers have excellent built-in microphones and audio systems. However, you might want to consider buying a headset to use with your Skype calls. If your Mac has an iSight camera, you can also make video calls with Skype.

Resources

• Skype