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Skype

    Skype Editor's Picks

    • How Do You Use 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... more »

    • Who Invented Skype?

      Skype, the instant messaging program that allows for voice over IP, and whose name in Swedish common vernacular means "sexually transmitted disease," was created in 2003 by Niklaz Zennstrom from Sweden and Janus Friis from Denmark. more »

    • How Does Skype Work?

      In order to use Skype, the first component that you will need is a Skype ID. Once you are able to sign up with a SkypeID, you will be issued a unique number, which is tied to a customizable username. The SkypeID facilitates a quick connection method, much like a telephone number, and ensures accurate connection with other Skype users.... more »

    • How to Make a Conference Call on Skype

      The most popular feature of the Web-based Skype is the ability to make phone calls, including conference calls, from the convenience of your own computer. Here’s how to make a conference call on Skype: more »

    • How to Use Skype Chat Room Connector

      Skype is a free Internet communication program that allows users to contact each other via chatting or by talking on a microphone. If both people have the program downloaded then the phone service is free. However, if one of you does not have a microphone or you do not feel like talking, then the chat service can be used. Chatting on... more »

    Skype Quick Guides

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    • Chat Room Basics

      Chat rooms are a great place to hang out with existing friends and meet new ones. Think of it...

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    Skype Articles

    • What Are Skype Phones?

      Skype phones are phone instruments that connect to a computer running Skype software rather than a traditional phone line. This gives you the... more »

    • How to Use Skype Without a Headset

      You'll get the best performance out of the Skype program if you use a headset. However, if you would like to use Skype without a headset, you can... more »

    • How to Add a Skype

      Adding a Skype "Call Me" button to a blog allows your readers to send you Skype calls with the click of a button. All it takes is some cutting and... more »

    • How to Add a Skype

      You can include Skype "Call Me" buttons in your emails so your friends can contact you using Skype. Embedding a Skype "Call Me" button in an email... more »

    • How to Use Skype Without a Microphone

      You can use Skype if you don’t have a microphone or headset, but you can not do any voice chat. Instead, you can use Skype as an "instant... more »

    Wikipedia

    Skype

    / Objective-C (Mac OS X/iPhone/Nintendo DSi) / C++ with Qt4 ( operating system [[Cross-platform
    | language genre [[voice over IP / instant messaging / license [[Freeware (with some paid features)
    | website
    }}
    Skype () is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service and, in some countries, to free-of-charge numbers, are free, while calls to other landlines and mobile phones can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

    Skype was written by Estonia-based developers Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu and Jaan Tallinn, who had also originally developed Kazaa. The Skype Group, founded by Swedish-born entrepreneur Niklas Zennström and the Dane Janus Friis, has its headquarters in Luxembourg, with offices in London, Tallinn, Tartu, Stockholm, Prague, and San Jose, California.

    One of the initial names for the project was "Sky peer-to-peer", which was then abbreviated to "Skyper". However, some of the domain names associated with "Skyper" were already taken. Dropping the final "r" left the current title "Skype", for which domain names were available."nameorigin">

    Skype has experienced rapid growth in popular usage since the launch of its services. The company was acquired by eBay in September 2005 for $2.6 billion. eBay has written Skype down to $1.7 billion on its books and announced a public stock offering for 2010 to spin Skype off as a separate company."spinoff"> Some media outlets have characterized the proposed sale and ongoing provision of Skype as being under threat, because of a software licensing dispute with the original creators. On September 1, 2009, a group of investors led by Silver Lake bought 65% of Skype for $1.9 billion. Later this amount was adjusted when eBay and the new investors settled a lawsuit that had been brought by read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype

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