Skype

I’ve got family all over the place. Some on the east coast, some on the west coast, and some up in Canada but that doesn’t mean we all can’t chat face to face. I’m going to show you how to use Skype to stay socially connected to anyone, anywhere! Life is crazy. I mean who has time to keep up with all the latest in social networking. I’m Carly Knoblach and if you stick with me I’ll show you all the tech tools you need to get socially connected. There are a lot of different ways to video chat nowadays. Some through email providers or social networks. The problem is a lot of them don’t play nicely with one another. So we think the most straightforward way to do it is Skype and apparently four hundred million people agree. First download the app and follow the set up instructions. You’ll need a webcam and a microphone so people can see and hear you but I’m sure you knew that. Now just choose a screen name, add a photo, and welcome, you’re a Skyper. And with four hundred million people on Skype you shouldn’t have any trouble finding someone to talk to. If you already know their screen name just add them as a contact. You can also search using names, email addresses, or phone numbers. For people you’d like to be able to Skype with that aren’t already signed up send them an invite right here. One of the great things about Skype is that as long as you’re connecting with someone else who has it you can instant message, talk, or video chat all for free. To place a Skype call select your contact and press the call button. Make sure you click this if you want to be seen or turn it off if you don’t. You can even share what’s on your screen so it’s a really easy way to share pictures with mom or presentations with my coworkers. Skype also has a mobile app and again as long as you and the person you’re calling have it you can make voice calls for free. What happens if you want to use Skype to call someone’s land line or mobile phone? Well check out Skype’s various pricing plans ranging from a per minute option, monthly subscriptions, and a premium plan. Because calls are being made the internet and not long distance carriers the rates are really competitive. One of the other advantages of the premium program is group chats. Get your whole family together or a long distance work team all in one place. You can imagine how great having Skype is when you’re traveling abroad. All you need is a wifi connection to check in on what’s happening at home. No long distance bill required. And now with cameras and mics available on mobile devices, tablets, tvs, and even gaming systems you can use Skype all over the place. In fact the most difficult part of using Skype for me is managing all those time zones. To learn more about all things socially connected check out our other videos at eHow Tech and be sure to follow us on twitter and like us on facebook. Thanks for watching!