Skype

[keith53]

Hello all,

I may be preaching to the converted here but I thought I'd mention a little bit of software that I find really useful. Its called Skype and can be downloaded from:

www.skype.com/products/skype/windows

For those who don't already use it, what it does is let you use your PC (and Mac I suppose) to make phone calls over the Internet. Its free to download, costs bugger all to register (can't remember exactly) and works a treat, IF you have a broadband connection. Its a basic version of what we techo's call VOIP (Voice Over IP). The phone carriers don't like it because the call costs are free! (you've already got your Internet connection) It splits the contents voice calls into data packets and sends them over the internet just like any other internet traffic. Its quite simple to install and use.

I use it quite a lot and it works fine. My off-sider uses it to speak weekly with his two daughters who are on a working holiday in England.

Cheers,
Keith

[Cliff Rogers]

OK, I've downloaded & installed it.

I had to search the store room for a mic that works & it is fairly ordinary.

I have tried a call to a friend who would normally be a 16.5cent call & it worked so I'm up & going.

Search on Cliff Rogers or cliff_rogers.

Just going to grab some dinner, I'll be back shortly.

[ozwinner]

OK Im on.
I just need to get a mike, Im sure weve got one here some where

User name....
ozwinner

Al

[ivanavitch]

You can also use the same program where the other end does not have a broadband connection.

It cost around 3 cents a minute to call my daughter in London.

[rick_rine]

we tried it but couldnt use it for reasons I wont go into but please could some one tell me how to uninstall it as it constantly Pops up .
Rick

[Cliff Rogers]

we tried it but couldnt use it for reasons I wont go into but please could some one tell me how to uninstall it as it constantly Pops up .
Rick

Is there a problem with it we should know about? :confused:

You should be able to change the options in the program so it doesn't start & then go to the windows control panel & use 'add/remove programs'

I just had a look, it is in the list so you should be able to get rid of it.

[zenwood]

Been using it for the past year or so. Works well. I use it to phone home from my laptop when I travel: most hotels provide internet connection, and Skype means a freebie phone call over the internet. Just have to make sure the other person is sitting at their computer. (Can also use Skype to phone telephones but I haven't explored that feature.)

[keith53]

Cliff Rogers and I just had a good old chat. Works well between the Sunshine Coast & Cairns. Be even better when you get a new mike though Cliff

[Cliff Rogers]

Yeah, working on it.... tomorrow..... munyana (sp?)

Hey Zen, do you have a skype name we can search on?

[Schtoo]

I think it's spelt 'manána' Cliff, but I couldn't say for sure. Hablas Espanóla not.

Dad tried this to call me on my mobile here, didn't work very well. Kept dropping out and I could hardly hear him, but it works ok on the home phone.

For the price, no real complaints, but in my experience, it's not as clear as the regular phone. Not a hassle for mum, dad and I, but if my wife has a talk to my mum, it's a problem, not a big problem, but they do have trouble due to the lack of clarity.

Mate of mine uses it to call clients in Pommyland though, no problems for him and plenty clear.

Doesn't matter for us though. Dad's on a big $$$ mobile plan, and has to use up cash at the end of the month to justify it. :confused:

Just hope the folks don't grow an extra head because of it.

[Barry_White]

I've been using Skype for about 12 months. I bought a Logitech USB stereo headset to use it. You can also buy handset phones that you can use with your normal landline as well as Skype.

My username is bazzabushy.

Maybe they can set up the forum to show the members Skype names the same as MSN, ICQ, Aim and Yahoo.

[Cliff Rogers]

....could some one tell me how to uninstall it ...

If you can't get rid of it using Windows Add/Remove, then in C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone you will find a file called 'unins000'.
Try running that.

[keith53]

If you can't get rid of it using Windows Add/Remove, then in C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone you will find a file called 'unins000'.
Try running that.

Only had it a day and you're a guru already, Cliff.

I've never had any problems with it at all. Certainly not "just popping up".

[ozwinner]

I've never had any problems with it at all. Certainly not "just popping up".

Owwwhhhhh, I do.
I cant wait to get old so it'll stop..

Al :eek:

[Groggy]

Maybe they can set up the forum to show the members Skype names the same as MSN, ICQ, Aim and Yahoo.

Maybe you could make it part of your avatar descriptor, then people could see if your online as well.