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Voice and Video Calling

If you have a computer then chances are you have heard of Skype. You may even have Skype on your computer already.

What is Skype?

Skype is a free program which allows you to make voice and video phone calls to other Skype users, landline and mobile phones. It uses the internet to make these calls which means that calling other Skype users is FREE, while calls to landlines and mobile phones will incur a small charge per minute of the call.

You can use Skype to stay in contact with friends and family around the country or around the world. It allows you to maintain the personal touch rather than sending emails which are more remote.

What do I need to get Skype?

You can download Skype for free from www.skype.com. If you haven't signed up for Skype before you will need to create an account. The program will walk you through this. You will create a username and password that you can use with Skype on any computer that has Skype installed. Once you have signed up you can start adding in 'contacts'. These are other Skype users you wish to call and you can do so by entering in their Skype username which you'll need to ask them for by email or phone, or you can search for someone using their name, address, country and other information.

Once you have added your contacts into Skype you will need to wait for them to login to their own Skype and 'approve' you. You can only make calls to other users that have approved you and you'll only receive calls from users you approve meaning you won't receive random calls from strangers.

Video Calling and Extras

You can also make video calls to other Skype users provided you have a 'webcam'. This will allow the other user to see you as they talk. If the other person has a webcam you will be able to see them as well, which is a great way to keep in touch with grandchildren or your spouse when overseas. You can pick up a webcam from most techie shops from about $50 plus. A good quality webcam will include a microphone and have a resolution of at least '640x480'.

You can also buy Skype phones now. A Skype phone is either a phone that plugs into the computer and lets you make calls using Skype but works like a regular telephone, or a stand-alone phone that connects to your broadband and makes calls directly over Skype without needing a computer. You can use these phones to call your Skype contacts just like a regular phone!

Skype now offers some other features including local calling numbers which means you can have a New Zealand number which other people can call at their local calling rates. You can also setup Voicemail and send text messages directly from Skype for a small fee. You can even forward your calls to a landline or mobile number when you are away from your computer!

Limitations of Skype

Skype requires an internet connection. This means if your power or internet is out, you will not be able to make any calls. You might experience poor quality or lost calls if your internet connection/computer is slow or having issues. If you wish to call landline or mobile numbers from Skype, you will need to purchase some 'Skype Credit'. This will allow you to make calls which will be charged to your account.