So what exactly is Skype? Skype is a communication tool similiar to MSN, Yahoo Messenger, AOL's AIM except that the original function of Skype is voice. Essentially it is an internet phone. You can make calls from computer to computer across the internet or computer to a phone and now from a phone to a computer. You have heard of broadband phones, this is basically what Skype is. Unlike most other phones Skype does not cost any money to use. You only pay for additional features and services, such as computer to phone calling and vis-versa. When you make a call to another computer there is not charge.

If you are in North America and you want to talk with someone in Europe and you both have computers with microphones and speakers then you can use Skype and avoid those nasty long distance charges!

Here is the equipment that you need to use Skype:

1. Computer
2. Microphone for the computer (otherwise they will have a hard time hearing you...)
3. Speakers for your computer (so you can hear them...)
4. An Internet Connection - Broadband is suggested for your connection (DSL or Cable)
   • From Skype Knowledge Base:
     The minimum internet requirements to use Skype are a dial-up connection with at least a 33.6Kbps modem. However, to get the best results out of Skype we suggest that you have a broadband internet connection (cable, DSL, etc). GPRS is not supported for voice calls and results using satellite internet connections may vary.
5. Skype - download install and setup an account.
6. Someone to call.

Setting up an account is simple. Pick a username and enter it, then create a password. Make sure the password is secure and not too simple, use numbers along with letters. When choosing your username be prepaired for it to have already been taken, so have a couple variations ready. Entering your email address is optional. The advantage of entering it is if you forget your password you can reset it through your email.

You will then be asked to fill in some information about you. I suggest only entering your country, you can enter first and last name if you like but this information is open for anybody in the world to see.

You are now up and running! But there is some security to take care of first. At the top of the Skype window go to Tools=>Options on the menu bar. Once in options select Privacy on the left side, on the right side you will see several radio buttons (like a checkbox but round). Under the section for Allow Calls From: Select - Only People From My Contacts. We do this so that spammers and brats don't bombard us with calls we don't want. Next Under Allow Chats From: Select - Only People From My Contacts.

Note the Connection option on the left side - Select it. On the right side near the top is the port used for incoming calls, don't worry about what number is in there. Under it is a check box for using port 80 or 443 as an alternative. If you find your internet connection doesn't work while Skype is running; uncheck this option.

Click save to keep your settings and close the options window. You are now up and running, all that is left is someone to call.

Adding contacts is easy. At the top of the Skype window is a button "Add Contact". Click it, a window will appear asking for the Skype name you want to add, enter the Skype name (it is best to have the person actually give you their username for this), press search and you will be presented with a number of options. Find the correct one, select it and press "Add Selected Contact". You now have someone to call.

Download Skype: www.Skype.com