Skype is free software that allows users to make voice and video calls over the internet. It requires no special hardware and offers crystal clear calling and free Skype-to-Skype calls worldwide. Skype also offers optional paid services such as SkypeIn and SkypeOut. The downside is that all parties need to have the software running, and it does not replace landline or cell phone service. Skype is proprietary software and network.
Skype software is free software that allows individuals and businesses to use the Skype Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) network. Using VOIP, people can make voice calls over the Internet on their home or office PC. Skype is the most successful VOIP network with many millions of users worldwide, boasting crystal clear calling and free Skype to Skype calls anywhere in the world. In 2008 Skype software added a video feature, which allows webcam callers to see each other live as they chat.
The Skype software does not require any special hardware although a broadband connection is recommended. A contact list, similar to an address book, keeps other Skype users just a click away. Highlight a person from your contact list, click the “call” button and wait for the ringtone and the person to answer. Call quality is many times better than a standard phone line, and you can talk for free as much as you like. Calls are also encrypted, making Skype completely secure and private.
While you can use PC speakers and a microphone, Skype recommends the use of VIOP headsets for the best experience. If you have a webcam, you can take advantage of video calling. If you don’t have a built-in webcam, external models plug into any USB port with prices starting around $29 US dollars (USD). A webcam will also allow you to take advantage of Skype’s free five-way video conferencing.
The advantages of Skype are many. If you have family, friends, or in the case of a business, offices, non-local or even international, there is no better or cheaper way to communicate than for free, using Skype software. There are no subscriptions or fees of any kind for this basic Skype-to-Skype calling service. You can use your Skype software 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without limits or limits.
The downside of using Skype over traditional means of telephony is that all parties need to have the Skype software running, so the PCs need to be turned on and Skype needs to be enabled. Skype does not replace landline or cell phone service, as there is no emergency service.
The Skype software allows for some interesting settings. For example, you can choose to temporarily disable your privacy settings, allowing all Skypers currently on the network to see your contact’s name and know that you’re available to take a call from friends or strangers. Under the terms of the service agreement, Skype requires users to be at least 18 years of age.
Skype software includes optional paid services. Two of them are called SkypeIn and SkypeOut. If you use SkypeOut you can call a landline or mobile phone from your Skype account at a reduced rate from your regular telecommunications service. As of this writing, that rate is 2.1 US cents per minute to call anywhere in the world. As this is a pay-as-you-go service, the subscriber must purchase a block of minutes in advance.
SkypeIn will provide you with a Skype phone number which can be used by friends and family to call into your Skype account from a mobile or landline phone. For example, let’s say you’re traveling abroad and want to stay in touch with people at home without paying international or roaming charges, but some of those people don’t use computers or Skype software. You can get a Skype phone number issued with your home area code so that calls made to friends and family are only charged as local calls. Meanwhile, you pay nothing to accept calls using your Skype software. The only charge you will pay is the rental of the Skype phone number.
SkypeIn can also be a useful tool for businesses with international clients. As numbers are available in many countries around the world, you can lease a local Skype number to your business partner rather than yourself. Now the attendant can call a local number to reach you anywhere in the world. Skype voicemail is also available for a fee.
A key criticism of Skype is that it is proprietary software and a proprietary network that rejects open source standards. While disappointing to some, it doesn’t appear to be slowing Skype’s growth. Skype was created by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis who also created KaZaA, a peer-to-peer network, which was later sold.
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