List of Skype Features

Skype offers a variety of free features, including group conference calls, instant messaging, call forwarding, and video calls.

Skype enables users to place and receive telephone calls using a peer-to-peer voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). Telephone calls to other users of the Skype service are free, while telephone calls placed to traditional landlines and mobile phones are included as part of the company's premium services. Additional features offered by Skype include instant messaging services, SMS texting, call forwarding, and voice mail.

Outgoing Calls

Skype users may speak with anyone else on Skype, no matter where they are located, free of charge. To use Skype service to place free Skype-to-Skype phone calls, users will need to download Skype to their computer, select a contact from the Skype directory or enter their Skype name, and click the Call button. SkypeOut is the premium service that enables Skype users to place telephone calls to traditional landlines and mobile phones at very inexpensive rates. Call rates are the same, regardless of the time of day or day of the week. Individual calls are billed as low as 2.3 cents per minute, while monthly subscriptions are available from $2.99 per month. SkypeOut works on several operating systems: Windows, MAC OS X, Linux, Wi-Fi phones, Windows Mobile, and Skype To Go.

Incoming Calls

Skype users have the ability to create a personal online phone number so that they may receive phone calls from traditional landlines and mobile phones in addition to Skype-to-Skype phone calls. The online number feature works on several operating systems: Windows, MAC OS X, Linux, Wi-Fi phones, Windows Mobile, and mobile phones. Telephone calls received when a premium Skype user is busy, offline, or otherwise unavailable, the caller is able to leave a message on voicemail. Voicemail messages are stored for access at a later time. As with traditional voicemail services, voicemail greetings are able to be personalized. Skype users may opt instead to have calls forwarded to an alternate number when they are offline.

SMS Messaging and Social Networking

Skype users are able to send SMS messages from Skype accounts to mobile phones. Texts sent via Skype are not limited to the number of characters typical of cell phone text messages. Messages can also be sent to groups as easily as individuals. SMS messages, however, can not be received with a Skype account. Skype Instant Messenger may be used, however, to send and receive messages to those on a Skype user's contact list from a computer or mobile phone. Friends may also be contacted directly, via telephone or text, directly from a Facebook News Feed in Skype.

Business-Friendly Features

All of the previously mentioned features may be used by businesses as well as individuals. There are some additional features that tend to be more popular with business users. Documents and presentations of any size may be transmitted via Skype. Screen sharing capabilities allow colleagues to view the same screen over a phone call. Video calls may be conducted amongst colleagues to minimize the cost and time of business travel. Two or more people can be added to video calls up to a maximum of ten. Businesses may also add a 'call button' to a business website. Website visitors may call the business directly with a click of the button. Skype works well within corporate security protocols, and does not disrupt the operation of anti-virus or firewall software.