Using Skype

Skype is a VOIP (voice over IP) service that allows anyone with an internet connection to make voice or video calls to both Skype users as well as home and cellular phones. There are a few options for service. A free account allows you to make voice and video calls to other skype users as well as text messaging, while paying as little as 1.2 cents per minute for a subscription plan will allow you to make calls to any phone in the world from your skype device. As far as devices go, Skype is available on nearly any device one could think of: PC, Mac, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and even Skype enabled televisions. Nearly any computer made in the last 5 (or even more) years could run Skype based on the system requirements I found. For Macs it only requires 1ghz processor,100mb of disk space, a headset, high speed internet, and OSx 10.5.8 or newer. The PC requirements are even lower.

In order to actually use Skype, it is extremely simple. Once you sign up for an account, install the software, and login, all you have to do is do a search for the username of the Skype member you want to call. Once you dial the user it rings, much like a real phone, until the user accepts or declines the call. Once you are connected you can speak with the other person with just your voice or, if you have one, choose to use your webcam to do a video chat. I made a few different calls for this project and they were both very simple to complete.

I find Skype calls to be both fun and useful. When I was in Costa Rica last summer I was able to make calls home with my phone via skype anywhere there was wifi for around. I only spent around $15 for 3 weeks of calls. It really is exactly like a phone call if you are doing voice chat, but the video chat is a whole different experience. It's much more personal than a phone call or text because you can see them as well as hear them.

Overall I think Skype is a great product that will be around for a long time. I can't wait for services like this to be integrated even more into our daily lives.