How Do You Use Skype?

Talk, text or video chat with friends, family and business associates over Skype.

Skype is a free software program that works much like most typical instant messaging programs, except that it also allows users to make phone calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, as well as video calls and conference calling. Calls made to other Skype users are free, but even calls placed to landline or cell phones can be made very inexpensively. It's easy to install and use this increasingly popular application and start making calls online.

Things You'll Need

• Microphone headset
• Webcam

Instructions

1. Download Skype from its official website (see Resources). Follow the prompts to select a user name and other settings.

2. Go to the "Contact" tab of the Skype window and click the "Add" button under "Contacts." Search for a contact by entering an email address, or enter a standard phone number. Click "Add Skype Contact" to save the new contact to your list.

3. Click on a contact to select that person. Click the "Call" button, which is a green button with a telephone icon, to dial the contact's phone or call them via Skype, depending on their settings and the information you have entered. If you are trying to call a telephone rather than another Skype user, click the link to purchase Skype credits. When you are connected to your contact, start talking using your microphone headset as you would a telephone handset.

4. Set up the computer's webcam, if you have one. Go to the "Tools" menu and select "Options." Click "Video Settings" and select "Start My Video Automatically When I Am in a Call" to enable video calls over Skype.

5. Select a contact and click the "Menu" button on the right to do even more, such as start a chat, send money via PayPal or play a game.

Tips & Warnings

• The "File" menu allows you to personalize many settings.

• Privacy settings are available by going to "Options" from the "Tools" menu.

• If your computer has a built-in microphone, you don't need to plug in a microphone headset. However, a headset cuts down on feedback problems.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Skype Download