Skype, owned by Microsoft, is free to download from the Skype website.
The Internet allows you to stay in touch with family and friends anywhere in the world, through instant messages, voice chat and video chat. Skype, a free program recently acquired by Microsoft, supports voice, video and text chat. After you download and install the program, you can add friends and family to your contact list and be communicating in minutes. Skype also features premium services such as inexpensive calls to landline phones and group video chats.
Instructions
1. Open a browser and go to the Skype website. Click "Get Skype," then "Download Skype."
2. Enter your name and email address on the "Create An Account" screen. Enter a Skype name in the "Skype Name" text box. Enter a password and confirm the password. This will be the Skype name and password you use to log in to the program, and will be the name your contacts see. Type the Captcha text. Click "I Agree - Continue."
3. Double-click SkypeSetup.exe when it has downloaded. Select a language from the drop-down menu and click "I Agree - Install." Click "Finish" when the program is installed.
4. Open Skype. Type your Skype name in the "Skype Name" text box. Type the password you selected in the "Password" check box. Check "Sign Me In When Skype Starts." Uncheck "Start Skype When Computer Starts" unless you want Skype added to your startup folder. Click "Sign In."
5. Connect your microphone and speakers or headphones to your computer, then click "Echo/Sound Test Service" to make a call to an automated number that lets you test your sound settings. If you have issues with your sound, click "Tools," then "Options," and select "Audio Settings." Choose the microphone and speaker connections you want to use, click "Save," then test with the "Echo/Sound Test Service" again.
6. Click "Contacts," then "Add a contact." Enter the email, phone number, name or Skype name of a friend or family member. Click "Add." When Skype finds the contact, fill in the Contact Request text box and when the contact approves your request, you can text, voice chat or video chat with the contact. Click "Add Another Contact" to add additional contacts.
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