I've been a user of skype for almost a year now. I originally downloaded it, as I'd heard it was one step in creating a podcast - something which the website I'm staff at were interested in doing.
Over the past year, I've come to use skype more than other IM programs (most specifically MSN), as I've found it to be more user friendly, easier to use and it looks a lot nicer.
Unfortunately, trying to tell my friends this has been a little harder - most are hesitant to download it mainly because they've never heard of it, whereas MSN is commonplace.
**What is it?**
Skype is a program you download and install on your computer, which allows you to make computer to computer calls and computer to phone calls. It also has the ability of IM-style conversations, with as many participants as you want, and video-calls.
It's free to download, and all you need is a skype name and account, which you are guided to once you have downloaded the program.
**Use**
It's very easy to download, on a broadband connection it only takes a few minutes. It's been a year since I signed up for my account, so the process may have changed by now, but as far as I remember, that was quick and easy too - you choose a username, password, and enter some details.
Once
that's done, it's a simple case of adding contacts - you can search by name or username. From there, you can have IM conversations or calls.
Skype uses a technology called VOIP, Voice Over IP, which is also known as Internet Telephony. It's easy to set up a computer to computer call, and each call can have a maximum of five participants.
**Features**
-IM Conversations: For those familiar with MSN, this is pretty much the same deal - a real time, chat-style conversation. I'm not sure what the limit is in terms of number of participants, but the most I've been in a conversation with at one time is about eight people. I've included a screenshot of the IM window in the pictures.
-Calls: This is the main attraction of skype for me, the ability to have computer to computer calls, for free. All you need is a microphone and speakers/headphones. Don't be fooled into thinking you need a 'skype phone' or whatever gadget is around now - you don't, a simple microphone will suffice.
As I mentioned above, you can have one-to-one calls or a maximum of five people (these are called conference calls), and you can call anyone who has a skype account and is online. There's no time limit to the calls, they can go on for hours if you like.
I've found that the quality of the skype calls is generally very good. I often go into a call with two/three people in England and one in Canada, and there's not much difference between the quality. Occasionally, the voices will sound like they're underwater, or go crackly, but this doesn't happen too frequently.
I would recommend using headphones when in a call, or you'll get an annoying echo!
-Video Calls: As I don't have a webcam, I've never used video calls and so cannot comment on the quality, but the feature is there if you need to use it. You can also have video conferences, of up to five people.
-Call Phones: This used to be free, but now to call phones you need skype credit. I've never actually used the call phones feature, as I always use computer to computer calls, so I cannot comment on the quality.
Here's the information I've found on the cost of skype calls:
"You can call almost any destination in the entire world with SkypeOut - though different destinations have different rates.
For some of the most popular destinations, Skype has one unified rate called SkypeOut Global Rate.
SkypeOut Global Rate is €0.017 per minute.
The SkypeOut Global Rate is only for calling landline telephones (unless specified otherwise). Calls to mobile phones are more expensive. All SkypeOut calls are subject to a connection fee."
So as far as I can make out, it's not extravagantly expensive.
-Conversation History: Unless you choose not to have this option activated, all of the IM conversations you have will be stored under a tab on your skype main page, with the conversation history saved. I like this feature, because if you regularly have a group conversation, it means you don't have to add everyone every time - you just need to double click on the conversation in history.
-Contact Groups: Much like in MSN, you can sort your contacts into groups of which you decide the name.
-Smilies: I love the skype smilies! They're so cute, and as an advantage there's no possibility of adding custom or new ones! Some people might see this is a disadvantage, but I like it; one of the reasons I dislike MSN so much is the annoying emoticons that permeate into a conversation because of the names given (for example, if you name a car shaped smiley "car" in MSN, everytime you write "scar", the picture of the car will pop up - very annoying!).
-Skype Extras: This is a relatively new addition to skype, so I'm still exploring its possibilities. You can now add a background wallpaper to your skype IM windows and the main window, as well as have access to several other extras.
There are now games, a program to record your skype calls, a whiteboard, a lie detector and a few others. There are currently two games available, but there are others "coming soon" apparantly.
**Overall**
I love skype. It's a lot more user friendly than any other IMs I've used, it looks nicer and is easier to use. The main problem though is the lack of people who have it. If you ask your friend for their MSN address, you'll probably get it, but if you ask for their skype name, you'll probably get a confused look and a "Huh?"
But, if you can convert your friends to using it, I would definitely recommend it. The computer to computer calls are great, and it does look as though the skype to phone calls are relatively cheap.
Of course, like all programs it has its flaws - there have been several times when I've tried to view the entire conversation history and my computer has locked up, though with the latest release of the program this bug seems to have been fixed.
You often get random people opening conversations and starting calls with you too, however as it's easy to block people this isn't so much of a problem than an annoyance.
If like me, you're fed up with MSN and want to try something that looks a little nicer and is a little easier to use, then I'd say get skype.
Pictures of Skype.com
Skype main window (contacts removed)
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I agree with your comment about the lack of people who have Skype - I've bee using it for ages and only have about four friends on there!! - great review :)
eganeater 22.03.2007 22:42
my grand parents got me hooked on skype i think its great
hammd1974 22.03.2007 00:00
Never heard of this before. A good useful review. P : )
Advantages: Free calls to other computer users. Now with video! 'Proper' calls are cheap. Disadvantages: Relies on your PC being on. Interface a bit mucky.
TheDuke 15.02.2006 (15.02.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Skype.com
Mar 13th, 2007
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