Set up and Use Skype

Skype is a chat program that lets you make free calls to other Skype users, as well as make and receive calls from landlines and mobile numbers for a fee. You can even video chat for free with other Skype users. This guide will show you how to install Skype and get connected to your friends and relatives, and start making free calls.

Steps

Installing Skype

  1. Visit the Skype Homepage. If you don’t have a Skype account already, click the green “Join” button in the middle of the page. This will take you to the account creation screen.
  2. Enter your information. You will need to enter your real name and a valid email address. You will also need to choose the correct Country/Region, and create a Skype username and password. The username will be displayed publicly; only people on your contact list can see your real name.
    • You can skip this step by logging in with either your Microsoft account or with your Facebook account. Skype will pull the necessary information from those accounts instead.
  3. Download Skype. Skype will automatically detect the operating system you are using and provide you a download link to the correct version. Click the large green button to begin downloading.
    • If you need to download Skype for a different operating system, click the link below the download button.
  4. Install Skype. Once the download is complete, open the file to install Skype. Most users can keep the recommended settings.
    • Skype will want to change your homepage settings, so be sure to uncheck those boxes if you don’t want your homepage changed.
    • If you are using Windows 8, you can install Skype from the Marketplace. This app acts slightly differently than the desktop version of Skype. To install it, open the Windows 8 Store and search for Skype. Make sure that you install the app published by Skype and Microsoft.

Using Skype

  1. Open the program. You will be asked to sign in with your Skype username, your Microsoft account, or your Facebook account, depending on the option you chose during your account creation. Enter the necessary information and sign in.
  2. Choose a profile picture. Upon starting Skype for the first time, you will be asked to choose a profile picture. This is an optional step but makes it easier for your contacts to recognize you.
  3. Configure your webcam and microphone. During the first time startup, Skype will attempt to test your webcam and microphone. If they are properly connected to your computer, you should see an image from your webcam appear in a box. Speak a few words into the microphone to make sure that it is working properly.
  4. Add contacts. Once Skype is up and running, you will be presented with your profile. Your list of contacts appears on the left side of the application and is most likely currently empty. To add contacts, click the “+” button next to the person icon above the contacts list.
    • Search by name, email address, or Skype username.
    • Select the person that you want to add from the results list. This will open their profile in the right frame of the app. You can send them a text message, call them, or add them to your contacts. Click the blue link in the text area to add them to your contact list.

Connecting with Other Skype Users

  1. Start a text chat. You can use Skype to text chat for free with any other Skype user. In order to do so, they must be on your contact list. Select their name from your contact list and start typing your message in the chat box.
    • If the user is not online, your message will be delivered the next time they log in.
  2. Start a voice chat. You can voice chat with any Skype user for free. Select them from the contact list and then press the green Call button. A notification will appear on their screen letting them know that you are trying to reach them.
    • You can only initiate voice calls with users that are online.
  3. Start a video chat. You can video chat with any Skype user for free. Select them from the contact list and then press the green “Video call” button. A notification will appear on their screen letting them know that you are trying to reach them.
    • You can only initiate video calls with users that are online.
  4. Set up a Skype number. You can purchase a Skype phone number for $5 per month. This will allow anyone to call you from any phone. This is especially useful if you are traveling in another country or are moving to a new area.
    • You can choose the area and country code when you set up your Skype number.
    • The Skype number acts just like any telephone number.
    • The caller will receive charges based on standard rates. For example, if the caller lives in New York, and your Skype number is in London, the caller will be charged standard international rates.
  5. Call a mobile or landline with Skype. You can use Skype to call any phone number, but you will need to purchase Skype credits in order to do so. Click the Phone icon above your contact list to open the phone dialer.
    • Skype credits can be purchased either through the application, from the Skype website, or by purchasing Skype cards from retail outlets.
    • Different calls will have different rates.

Warnings

  • Be aware of predators and people making false profiles. Make sure the person you are adding are indeed a friend. Stay away from strangers
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