What Is a Skype Nick?
As the Internet continues to evolve and change, people continue to find new ways to communicate. One such way is through a direct communications program like Skype. Each new communications platform brings with it new terminology, but not all of this technology is difficult to grasp. A "nick" is just a short form of "nickname," which -- in computer speak -- is used interchangeably with "username" or "ID."
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Terminology
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Skype uses its own terminology to describe its features and functions. Whereas "nick" might have become part of the Internet vernacular in the era of Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Skype organizes people as "Contacts." You'll find all of your friends under this section, and each friend is given his own Skype Name. The Skype Name doesn't appear as the contact name; instead, it is a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Each Skype user must have a unique Skype Name.
Finding Contacts
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A person's Skype Name -- or nick -- becomes important when you are trying to find a specific John Smith, for example. You can search for your friends on Skype by name or by location, but when searching for a common name, you usually have to rely on that individual's unique Skype Name. This might be john_smith_121 -- something to set your friend John Smith apart from the other John Smiths of the world.
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Changing Nicks
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Your Skype ID can't be changed. Think of it as an email address; everyone who contacts you knows you, on Skype, by your nickname. Your Skype information is stored online so that when you access Skype from a different computer, such as when traveling, all of your contacts come with you. When you change your username (by creating a new account), you don't keep your contacts. They might still see your old username in their list of contacts, but as long as you sign in with a new nick they won't be able to speak with you.
Nicks for Existing Contacts
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To track down the nick of some of your current Skype contacts, right-click on any of your contacts' names in Skype and choose "View Profile." Skype displays the person's photo, gender, home town and Skype Name for you to read. If someone wishes to connect with one of your contacts, you can pass her Skype Name along.
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