How to Use Skype Software & What Are the Disadvantages?
Skype is a free program that allows you to communicate with people in a variety of ways, including instant messaging, calls to their phone, and video chat. However, it does have a few disadvantages. For instance, you'll need a decent microphone and webcam to get communicate, and Skype may struggle to make a quality connection. Another disadvantage is that the more advanced features -- such as three-way calling and calling to land lines -- cost money, depending on the feature and where you're attempting to call to. Also, if you do have problems, Skype does not offer a customer service phone line, which can make resolving your issue difficult.
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Instructions
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Download and install Skype from Skype.com.
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Launch Skype by double-clicking on the Skype icon (a white "S" in a blue bubble).
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Click "Contacts," then "Add a Contact." A new dialog box will appear. Type in the contact's email address, phone number (optional), first name and last name, then click "Add." A request will be sent to the person. If he accepts, he'll be added to your contact list.
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Click on a contact. A new window will appear on the right-hand side for that contact. Type your message into the box provided at the bottom, then click "Send Message" to send an instant message.
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Click on the "Video Call" button to make a video call. You'll need to wait for your contact to accept the call. When she does, you'll be able to see her and talk to her, provided you have a webcam and a microphone installed on your computer. As of the date of publication, this service is free.
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Click "Call Phone" to call your contact's phone. You'll need a microphone on your computer to talk to your contact, and this feature will work only if the person listed his phone number and set up call forwarding. A disadvantage to placing calls this way is that the call quality sometimes will be poorer through Skype than it would through a regular phone.
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Right-click on a contact to access the list of contact options. From here you can choose to send your contact a file, or even block them if the contact is harassing you. A disadvantage of sending a file over Skype is that if you are using webcam chat with the person, the file will take longer to send than it normally would.
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Subscribe to one of Skype's premium services to get unlimited calls in the United States and Canada, group video calling, and live chat with customer support. One of the disadvantages of the Skype premium service is that you have to pay for it, and that as the time of publication, it costs between $4.49 a month and $8.99 a month, depending how long you subscribe for.
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Call the land line phones of non-Skype users by clicking "Call," then "Call a Phone Number." Click on the numbers provided to enter in the phone number. One disadvantage of this is that you will be charged on a per-minute rate, depending on where you're calling. Another disadvantage is that you have to buy a Skype credit first, before making the call.
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References
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