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Skype Online Communication

Updated on March 28, 2016
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How to Use Skype?

Skype is a free computer software application with text chat, voice chat and video chat functionality. In order to use Skype online, you need to download the application and register a free account.

Essentially, you can use this useful online communication tool to live chat using instant text messaging with other Skype users; you can talk to other users using a headset; you can use it to make phone calls to land-lines and cell phones. As well as video chat with them, if you have a webcam. You can also use this application to conference call with two or more people using the Skype.

Another cool feature of Skype is that you can screen share, that is, share your screen with others like you would during an online presentation. Skype Communication was founded in the year 2003 and was acquired by Microsoft Corporation in May 2011.

I've used Skype for several years and have seen major improvements in quality as well as new features that have been added over the years. On this web page, I will walk you through some key features, provide instructions on how to download free Skype, set up your account, show you how to this communication tool and more.

Quick Poll: Do You Use Skype?

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Skype Features

Overview of Skype Features

Key Skype Features Explained

In the introduction section above, I briefly highlighted some of the Skype features, now let's review some of the key features that this video application offers in a little more detail:

Skype Instant Messaging: allows you to instant chat online with your friends and family by typing text messages to each other. It works similar to other IM chats like MSN Messenger, Yahoo and Google Talk. When instant text chatting, you can also use emoticons, share documents and pictures.

Skype Voice Chat: if you don't like typing text messages, you can talk to your online contacts using a PC headset or a Skype headset with the Skype-to-Skype calling feature. It's like talking over the phone, except you don't pay long-distance charges.

Skype Video Chat: takes it to yet another level in communication. If you and your contacts have a webcam on your laptop or desktop, you can video chat face-to-face using this free video calling feature. Please note that for video chat, you will need a broadband internet connection.

Skype Conference Calls: allows two or more people to text chat, talk and video chat all at the same time. This is especially great if a group of people want to have a conference call. The conference calling feature allows a maximum of 25 participants plus the host to participate on the call.

Skype Screen Sharing: is a powerful feature because it allows participants to share their screen live to the other participants on the call. You can only share your screen with only one person, that is, screen sharing doesn't work when you're using the conference call or a group video call.

The above features are offered free by Skype, however, there are several other features are available for a subscription fee like long distance calling, voice mail, call forwarding, SMS and others. Watch the video below explaining these features.

Video Overview of Skype Features

Skype Set-up & Help

How to Set up a Skype Account & Download to PC?

In order to set up your Skype account and install the Skype application, follow the instructions or watch the video below:

• Click this Skype Sign-up Form link;

• Complete the sign up form (only the mandatory fields marked with "*");

• Click on the green button "I agree - Continue";

• Click this link (Skype download): Skype Download link;

• Click the "Download Now" button (free option) & follow the instructions.

Once you've completed the above, add your family and friends to you contact list (you will need their Skype Names). Now, you're all set to use Skype live chat.

Skype Setup Video Tutorial

Source

Other Online Video Communication Tools

Apart from using Skype for many years, I've tried various types of online communication tools.

These tools include video email, video conferencing, screen-capture software, video editing applications, and others.

You can check this web page below for the details on these online communications tools that I've used.

Share your experience using Skype

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