SKYPE

[tony_mc]

Hi
Family over the pond keep telling me to get SKYPE - what do i need to make this happen?

[moonraker558]

Tony, Just a web cam with a built in mic, or web cam and headset. Then just download skype onto your pc quite a simple process really.

[tony_mc]

Apart from the cam and mic - are there any costs involved?

[Dodger666]

To talk to them all you need is to install Skype on your PC and a headset, if your PC doesn't have a built in mic & speakers. But to see your US family you will need a web cam as moonraker says, again if your PC doesn't already have one.

Download the free version of Skype for your PC from here:-

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/

If your PC doesn't use Windows click on "other downloads".


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[moonraker558]

Tony, you can set up an account for cheap phone calls via skype, but if like me you just need a video link to chat to friends and relatives it is free to use after you buy the camera and a mic. I use mine to talk to relatives in Spain with no problems at all. And it is easy to set up when you first start.

[commoner]

I also have it on my IPod Touch and if I am away from home and near a free hotspot can make free video calls to my BH....cheaper and nicer than just texting home or calling on the phone.....stops her worrying and she can Skype me from home to see what mischief I am up to...as if ;-)

[commoner]

...sorry I submitted before I had finished....my kids and grand kids are spread around the world too...Canada...Switzerland and London so it is essential to have it........By the way I am 78 today...and got my birthday wishes by Skype......

[Dodger666]

Many Happy Returns commoner. Have a great day!

[VHG]

You can learn more about it here.

http://www.skype.com/.../support/user-guides/

For a basic video call there is no cost involved.

We used to talk to our daughter on a video call when she was in Australia last year, from our PC to her laptop, sometimes for more than an hour.

Main requirment is a decent broadband connection. If it is slow you may have problems (picture cutting out etc), or it may just revert to sound if it cant transmit the picture.

[commoner]

Well thank you Dodger666.....greetings via Skype and now AB.....isn't the Internet just wonderful :-)