You have got to love something for nothing! With Skype, free internet calling is exactly what you are getting. Skype is a software program that you download for free onto your computer. It allows you to chat away with other Skype users and never worry about cost, time or distance.How Do They Do That?
Skype is a free software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet You may have heard of VoIP calling which is an acronym for “voice over internet protocol.” Simply put, you can put your computer to work for you and it can act just like a telephone. There are other companies that do the same thing as Skype, such as Vonage, Verizon, Packet8, and ATT CallVantage, but here’s the big difference. These other companies spend hundreds of dollars of marketing and advertising money to find each new customer. Skype spends nothing except for the server support to keep its download files available.
Free is Great, But Is it Easy to Set Up?
Here’s the process: 1. Download the software. 2. Install the software. It automatically configures itself for your computer and network. 3. Register as a Skype user. (Finding a unique name will be the tough part.) 4. Get a headset for your computer. Using external speakers and a microphone is possible but not practical. 5. Locate another Skype user. Searching tools make this easy. 6. Click on a Skype contact name. You can do this from a variety of places within the client application. 7. Talk free to people anywhere in the world, or even above the world, such as Mt. Everest and jetliners with broadband links for passengers. Be prepared for two surprises. First, although tied to a computer, Skype uses standard telephone sounds. Second, the audio quality is impressive.
Okay, All Kidding Aside, What Are the Cons!
- Your computer must be turned on to use Skype.
- Those people you call must have Skype running on their system in order to receive your call.
- Skype spreads by one person encouraging another to download Skype and call them, and that call usually comes within five minutes.
- Technically, a dial-up connection will suffice, but realistically you need broadband to really enjoy Skype.
- If you wish to call individuals on their landline or mobile phone, you must purchase Skype credit or a monthly subscription.
Advantages or Pros to Using Skype
- You can use Skype on your mobile phone.
- PlayStation Mobile also allows you the ability to use Skype.
- There are many different cordless phones and WiFi with Skype built right in.
- If you own a webcam you have the ability to make free video calls.
- Take photos of yourself and personalize your Skype.
- Got friends on MySpace.com? Use their MySpace name to locate even more people to chat with free from your computer.
- You can hold conference calls
- Has a great Instant Chat feature in which you can also send files, documents and photos.
Using Skype for our free internet calling made so much sense to us that we eventually disconnected our home phone lines. We began using our mobiles and Skype for all our calls both personal and professional. Skype’s monthly subscription plans is very cost effective and the money we saved by no longer using a home phone was incredible. And if you are tired of telemarketers calling and interrupting your dinner hour, Skype is the way to go!
