Week 1: Introduction & Skype
// January 26th, 2009 // computer group
Our first group meeting we discussed a few of the things we’d be learning this session in the Computers & You Group. A few questions came up about Skype, so we dove right in and got some software installed, and some accounts set up.
Mac Users can download the latest version here.
Windows Users can download the latest version here.
The download and install are pretty straightforward. You will have to pick a user-name that no one else is using… I typically recommend using your real name, or some variant of it (firstlast, last.first, etc…). Make sure the e-mail address you use is entered correctly! Skype doesnt verify the address, so if you loose your password – you’re in trouble! Finally, make sure you use a good password – if you start to use Skype a lot and take advantage of some of the paid services, you don’t want someone pretending to be you on there… so don’t use a password everyone knows.
Skype Features
Skype is a multi-faceted application that can really change the way you communicate. Some of the most popular uses include:
1. Free Video Calls: using a web-cam, you can call another skype user for free video calls anywhere in the world.
2. Phone Calls: you can call Skype users for free, and it’s extremely cheap to make local and LD calls to landlines and cell phones. (just $3/mo. to US and Canada, unlimited – $10/mo. International!)
3. Text Chat: less obtrusive than a full phone call, you can send text messages to other skype users in an instant message. For obvious reasons, this is faster than e-mail, more convenient than texting on your mobile phone.
4. Extra Phone Line: For $30/yr. (special price if you have monthly subscription mentioned above) you can get a REAL phone number for people to call in to your Skype account from any regular phone. This is a great option for small businesses or companies that want to expand their capabilities on the cheap.
So anyways, enough already… you get the picture. Skype is a free or extremely cheap way you can use your computer to save money and enhance your communication with friends and family.
