How do I get free Skype??

[Pottyone]

I'm sure I'm probably being a bit thick here, but I've just downloaded Skype, supposedly for free. I then tried to call someone that I know has Skype, and it wouldn't let me make a call and said I needed to buy credit. Why do I need to do this? I only want to make free calls. Or do I have to start buying credit in order to qualify for free calls to other Skype users? And If I buy £10 of credit, like it wanted me to, does that credit last for ever if I don't use it, or do I have to buy a minimum amount each month? I can't seem to find the answer on the Skype forums. TIA

[Buenchico]

Skype-to-Skype is free. Refer to 'See how easy it is to make free calls with Skype' here:
http://www.skype.com/...skype-to-skype-calls/

Skype to phones is chargeable. See here for prices:
http://www.skype.com/...l-phones-and-mobiles/

Chris

[ladyalex]

IF you do invest in some credit, it is a one-off and lasts until you use it up.

[losgigs]

As ladyalex says, any credit lasts indefinitely, and is great when calling non-skype users, especially to mobiles and abroad. Come to think of it, we should use it more, having just seen our last BT bill!

[Pottyone]

Aha, so maybe it was because the little icon next to their name wasn't green, so they weren't online, so it tried to call their home number instead, which was next to their contact details....would that make sense?

[ladyalex]

They have to be on Skype for you to be able to Skype them.

Not sure about it automatically calling their landline or mobile, though.
I think you have to ask it to do that. In fact I'm sure you do. We usually e-mail whoever we want to Skype and set up a time when we will both be online. (Usually the son-and-heir who now lives in the US, so Skype has been a boon. And we can see him too! )

[Pottyone]

Hang on, I've got it now. Skype automatically imported all the contacts from my partner's iPhone when I downloaded it as he set up the iMac. The person I tried to contact was on the list of contacts, but I hadn't actually found his Skype userid. I have now. So no doubt it will now work once he accepts me. I hadn't realised it worked like that - bit like Facebook.

[ladyalex]

Keep at it, Pottyone.
We eventually worked out how to do it, so I'm sure you will too!

[cathfromsaron]

we text each other to warn of a skype call! great way to keep in touch!

my daughter is very good and keeps really still against a bland background whilst talking ... my end is chaos!

[Pottyone]

The old brain isn't dead yet, it was just having a nap!

[wildwood]

How did you try to 'make' the calls? Unless things have changed, you need a skype phone, headset or mic/speaker on computer to make a call. The phone call goes over the internet so your friend has to be online. When you call a friend their phone or computer will make a sound to let them know you want to speak with them.
To make a call to a real phone you need to pay. Some of the charges are very cheap compared to the mainstream phone companies.

[wildwood]

I should have added; a skype phone connects to your internet connection. It plugs into a USB port, or you can get wireless ones too.

[alzheimer]

I have just come across this topic and am interested as I have friends in Norway who want me to take on Skype.... and I am totally clueless!
I already have a voice recognition prog. on here as I am not very nimble-fingered these days - so - would my mic and earphones that I use for it work for the Skype - or do I have to get one of the dedicated Skype ones?

[kloofnek]

You are not thick...we all are sometimes when downloading new programmes!!!!You have probably chosen one of the paying Skypes,just do the "FREE" one.I have just done it now...it is free and fantastic!!!!

[alzheimer]

Thanks for your reassurance Kloofnek.....LOL
Actually I plucked up the courage to download the free version and - surprise surprise.....I was offered an audio test run and my mic and earphone combi worked a treat - so no extra expense needed for a dedicated Skype phone!
Now all I need to do is to get my Norwegian chum to agree to a mutual time to chat.....fantastic!

[piggynose]

i have skype, but cuz i havent used it for quite a while, and now its playing up. I have tried skyping 2 people recently, but some reason i can see them and hear them, but they cant hear or see me. Any idea what i should do?
thanx in advance