Skype allows you to make free Internet-based VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls to anyone using Skype on their device. Additionally, you can make inexpensive calls from your device to landlines and cell phones globally.
Skype uses peer-to-peer (P2P) technology to connect you with other users – not for file sharing this time, but for voice and chat communication with your friends. The technology is highly advanced yet incredibly simple to use. You’ll be making free calls to your friends in no time!
The platform also serves as an instant messenger with integrated chat features. Additionally, Skype provides more than phone calls, offering a convenient way to reduce your phone bill. The app also allows you to video chat, text chat, and send SMS messages.
This messenger also integrates with your browser, allowing you to call any phone number you see on a website with a single click. It automatically detects your headset, microphone, and speakers, so there’s no need to worry about configuration.
To call another user, enter their username, and you’re all set. You can also save a list of users, making it easy to call them back. If you want to call landlines and cell phones, you must create an account and add funds. Then, whenever you make a call, those funds will be used.
Calling other people on Skype is free, so you can talk whenever you want – not just on special occasions. Whether it’s checking in with your mom while traveling, giving your partner a goodnight kiss via video call when they’re away on business, or simply staying in touch with regular calls, Skype makes it easy. Plus, if you know people who don’t use Skype, you can still call them at low rates.
This popular VoIP service has attracted many users looking to replace their landlines with an internet connection, particularly those with international contacts. The app offers a streamlined interface, Facebook integration, and videoconferencing capabilities. A tab at the top of the screen takes you to your news feed, where you can update your status and start Skype calls with various contacts.
Skype Features:
- Free limitless worldwide telephone calls to anybody else on Skype, wherever on the planet
- Skype video (webcam), see who you’re speaking to with free video calls
- Chat with as many as 100 individuals in group chats
- Superior sound high quality – higher than your common telephone
- Your calls are encrypted “end-to-end” for superior privateness
- Friends record exhibits you when your pals are online and able to discuss or chat
- It works with all firewalls, NAT, and routers – nothing to configure!
- Super-simple and straightforward to make use of
- Based on cutting-edge peer-to-peer know-how developed by the creators of Kazaa and Joltid
Other Important Features
- SkypeOut – You can assign an actual phone number to your Skype account. While this is not free like Skype-to-Skype calls, it is more affordable than the typical call rates.
- SkypeIn – You need a SkypeIn number to assign a phone number to your Skype account. You can receive calls from phones at no charge, but the caller will be charged the same rate as if they were calling a regular phone.
- Video calls – You can make video calls for free. This enables you to see the person you are talking to and for them to see you.
- Conference calls – You and 24 other people can participate in a conference call. This makes having group discussions with staff in various parts of the world much easier.
- File Sharing – You can easily send files to any contact without size limits, offering an advantage over email restrictions. For security reasons, the recipient must approve the transfer before it begins, and they need to be online for the transfer to take place.
- Instant messaging – Alongside speaking with your contacts, you can send messages while having a voice conversation or if you cannot talk to them at a specific moment.
- Text messaging – You can send text messages to any cell phone globally. The rates vary but are generally cheaper than the typical cost of a text message.
- Voicemail – If you need individuals to have the ability to go away from your voice messages if you are on one other name or offline.
What You Need:
- A PC with an Internet connection.
- A Headset with a Microphone – You will need to purchase a headset with a microphone (most cost less than $15) that plugs into the microphone port on your computer. However, if you only use Skype to send instant messages, text messages, or other features that do not require speaking, you do not need to buy a headset.
Skype was founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis. They created a simple piece of software that makes communicating with people worldwide easy and enjoyable. With this application, you can say hello or share a laugh with anyone, anywhere.
