Skype help

[hammerman]

Ok, im taking the plunge. I've been hearing about this skype lark for years but never really know what it involves. Ive presumed that it's some kind of communication thing....voice and video ?

So what do i have to do to get it and how do i use it ?

Any pointers well appreciated

Thanks

HM

[grasscarp]

You need to get yourself a webcam. These are not expensive and I use Logitech. This clips on to the top of your computer screen so people can see you when you talk to them and has an inbuilt microphone. Some people do not have a webcam, just a microphone, but I think that slightly defeats the purpose. I also have a separate earpiece/microphone that I use as well most of the time for better sound quality. You download Skype from the internet. It is free of charge and using it is free too. That's it in a nutshell. You can then chat to people all over the world for free - well the ones that are also on Skype.

[pastafreak]

Every thing you need to know is here -

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/home

I admit to being one of those people who never used a webcam. I don't want to scare the relatives 5,000 miles away.when it's my bedtime-and they've not had their dinner yet.

[Tuvok]

You can also get it for iPad, iPod and iPhone.

once installed an you have chosen your Skype name, you send a contact request to the person you want to speak to. For this you can either search Skype for them, or get the details from them.

Once setup, just click their name and you can then call, type or leave a message for them.

[millerxxx]

a pal told me you have to buy credits to use sky

[Mosaic]

Skype is free to use if you are simply contacting someone else on skype in real time.
Like everything, you can pay and get more.
So if you buy credits or even set up a regular monthly payment, you can call any landline for a fixed monthly fee.
Skype is very handy to use if you have family abroad.

[grasscarp]

When my daughter was living in Chicago it was wonderful to be able to see her and grandson regularly on Skype. It would have cost a fortune in phone calls. I now use it to help with my Russian language skills by talking to Russians on Skype.

[hammerman]

Thanks everyone, ive got a built in webcam on my puter and have used this to chat to people on facebook chat.