Skype

Skype is a fun way to communicate for free with friends or family who are traveling, or who live in another state, country, or continent. Most people have it nowadays and it's a quick tool to use as an alternative to a phone. Skyping your friends, family, and co-workers will be fun and easy once you get the hang of it.

Steps

Set Up Skype

  1. Download Skype from Skype.com. Versions are available for any setup and the basic download is free. If you'd like to make phone calls, there are small fees. Either way, you'll be communicating in seconds.
  2. Open the Skype application from your desktop or start menu and sign in.
    • If you don't have a Skype account then you will have to create an account. It'll ask you for your basic information -- nothing important or secure has to be given. You'll also create your account name and how your name will appear to others.
  3. Create your contacts. On a Mac, at the bottom of the main Skype window, click the + sign at the bottom of the page; for a PC, above the contacts box, click the head, and + sign (you have to right click on the main menu for this to come up on Windows 8). "Add New Contact" button, then (for both computers) follow the search instructions listed.
    • The other person has to accept your contact, too. You won't be able to Skype them if they haven't accepted. Skype will let you know when they've been added to your list.

Have a Conversation

  1. Tell the contact when you would like to Skype them. This can be impromptu if they're online, or as a left message for when they return. Of course, you could always text them and tell them to get online!
    • To check to see if they are online, look at the icon in front of their username. If there's a green checkmark, they're on and available. If it's yellow, they're away. A gray icon indicates that they're offline.
  2. Have a conversation. You'll be alerted at the bottom right hand corner of your screen when your contact logs on. Alternatively, check the list on the left to see if your conversation partner has logged on. If they have, click their name. You then can make a video or voice chat.
    • In addition to the video and voice chat functions, you can call their mobile phone or simply send them a type-written message. You may want to send them a message prior to calling to make sure they're ready.
    • You can always mute your call by pressing the microphone button. There are a number of functions you can use to enhance your experience, so start experimenting. You can share your screen, have a party line, or use picture-in-picture.
  3. End the call. After you've said goodbye, of course. Click on the red circular phone button at the bottom of the screen that popped up when you called the person.
    • If your call ends without either party initiating it, there's a connection problem. It could be temporary or it could have to do with one party's weak connection. Video calls generally take more juice, so switch to a voice chat to make the sound better.
  4. To just chat, enter your text in the bottom box and press enter on your keyboard. If the person is offline, you'll see a rotating circle to the right of your text. They'll get it when they log on.
    • Text speak is OK to use, just be aware not everyone knows it.



Warnings

  • No one can Skype you unless you show that you are online. Click on the down arrow beside the icon in front of your username at the top of the main screen and choose "available."
  • Skype is only free if you make your call over the internet. If you make a call to a phone number (which you can do, and is cheaper than using a cell phone or landline), it costs money, and you need to buy credits for your Skype account before you can use it.

Related Articles

  • Save a Text Chat on Skype
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