Using Skype

[Davina61]

Does anyone know if there is an alernative to Skype, whenever we chat to our son who lives in New Zealand it is for every going ofr. It can't be the computers as ours is quite new and our son has just bought a new laptop. Thanks.

[Buenchico]

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fed-up-with-skype-here-are-6-of-the-best-free-alternatives/

[IggyB]

Through if it is the connection that is failing you will still have trouble

[VHG]

It does not matter how good the computer are, if the broadband connection between the both of you is slow (for all sorts of reasons) then Skype will not work.

As has been said, if you use a different product you will still have the same problem.

If you are making video calls why not change it to just a phone call on the computer with Skype, that does not need such a good broadband connection.

[rockyracoon]

My son was having trouble with the internet dropping whilst using Skype, he found something that was ticked in the settings so he unticked it and all has been well. He's out for the day at the moment, when he gets in I'll ask him was, I'll think it had something to do with mobile but not sure.

[cashier]

My son lives in New Zealand, and we can Skype without any problems apart from finding a suitable time for each of us.

[Ann]

Can someone explain Skype to me please? I use Voipcheap when ringing a friend on her landline in Portugal as she doesn't have the internet at her villa. Is this an alternative or do you both need to be online?

[hc4361]

Ann, you can call landlines with Skype. You can either buy Skype credits and you will be charged 1.6p per minute to call a landline in Portugal.

Alternatively you can buy a 1 months subscription that allows you to make unlimited calls to Europe landlines for £4.59; or 60 minutes for 80p.

http://www.skype.com/en/rates/#learnMore

[Ann]

Thanks hc - can't remember how much I get charged to ring Portugal via Voipcheap but it sounds as if Skype is much cheaper, I will look into it. Thanks again.

[Ann]

Can I ring a UK landline from my mobile abroad via Skype? I guess it would have to go through mobile wifi which would be costly, so how do I work out if this would cost less than just making an ordinary international call to UK landline from my mobile while in Portugal. It's a bit mind-boggling!

[Brum Lady]

My son recently got married in Mauritius and we all signed up on the PC and phone to something called Viber. Apparently it is free. We had a video call with them on their wedding day and saw wedding photos etc so it definitely worked.

[hc4361]

Apologies, Ann, for missing your (much) earlier post. I haven't used the feature but you can use your mobile.

http://www.skype.com/en/features/