Skype Interface Meaning
Skype, a free-to-download and mostly free-to-use application for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, allows users to communicate via video calling, Skype-to-Skype calls, Skype-to-phone calls and group conferencing. Users interact with Skype via a visual interface, or a collection of clickable words and symbols, each with different meanings that remains consistent among different operating platforms.
Other People Are Reading
-
Basic Interface Meaning
-
The title bar or program bar at the top of the Skype window allows users to perform most of their interactions with Skype. The left-hand side of the screen displays the user's contacts -- a list of people with whom users can communicate. The bulk of the screen is dedicated to Skype Home, a place for multipurpose display actions. On startup, this screen displays recent Skype-related news and announcements. During a video call, callers and call options appear here. By clicking the buttons above Skype Home, users can view their profile, connect to Facebook or give feedback to Skype's creators.
Program Bar
-
Skype's program bar is divided into seven different functions. “Skype” allows users to change their status, indicating whether they are online or not, edit their profile, sign out and perform other profile-related tasks while “Contacts” lets users add and organize contact information. Clicking “Conversation” presents users with options for adding new people to the conversation, leaving the conversation and viewing old conversations. The “Call” menu performs many phonelike functions, such as making phone and video calls, muting and placing people on hold. “Tools” and “View” allow users to customize their Skype interface while “Help” directs them toward product support.
-
Video Call Interface
-
While the images of the participants take up most of Skype Home during video calls, clickable symbols -- each with a different meaning -- allow users to control conversation options. The first button, a plus sign surrounded by heads, adds people to the conversation. The arrow symbol sends files or contacts or enables screen sharing. Users mute their microphone by clicking the crossed-out mic symbol and adjust the volume with the fourth symbol. The pause symbol has a similar meaning in Skype as it does on other devices, putting the conversation on hold. Clicking the red video camera turns the video off while the red phone icon ends the conversation.
Other Interface Meanings
-
The symbols used in Skype's video call interface retain their meaning when they appear in Skype Home during other functions, such as Skype-to-Skype or Skype-to-phone calls. Phone conversations add a dial pad symbol, made up of nine dots, which opens a virtual dial pad. A symbol that resembles cell phone signal “bars” allows users to check their call quality settings.
-
