Skype 3.2.0.152

Skype is software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world. Skype uses innovative P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you with other users. It offers several features, including SkypeOut calling from Skype to regular and mobile phones worldwide, conference calling, and secure file transferring. Skype calls have better sound quality than your regular phone and are highly secure, with end-to-end encryption.

Skype is well regarded for offering stable, free VOIP to other Skype users and affordable calling from a PC to a phone, be it a landline or a cell phone. The most recent upgrade makes getting in touch with friends and family--and even complete strangers--much, much easier.

Functionality still varies depending on your Internet connection and what else you're doing with it while using Skype, but they are making some efforts to improve that. When you finish a Skype call, a Web page opens and asks you about the conversation's sound quality. The clean layout combines familiar chatware functions with a dialing interface, so that calling a phone is as simple as entering the desired number and hitting the dial button.

Improvements include conference calling with as many as nine people, video calling, and a browser plug-in that turns phone numbers on Web pages into links that automatically dial via Skype when clicked. There are also Skypecasts, throwbacks to the party-line multiperson telephone conversations from the mid-20th century.

Overall, we think Skype is a strong contender in the Internet Telephony category, and anyone who's interested in talking for free should give it a try. For international callers who have computers, this program is a no-brainer solution for long-distance bills.

Key features

Video calling is simple to set up and offers a great way to see friends and colleagues.

Making a video call using Skype requires a webcam (in addition to your headset or speakers and microphone).
Install the software for the webcam and then plug in the webcam to the computer. Skype will automatically detect the webcam and offer a way to test the webcam to ensure everything is working correctly. Once that is done, any Skype call can include video.

Conference calling is convenient and simple to initiate.

To include multiple Skype contacts in the same call, simply click the conference button in the Skype window and add the desired parties. Skype can conference up to 5 people in a call on any computer and up to 10 people in one call if the people on the call are using a PC with an Intel Duo Core Processor.

Using Skype to dial an ordinary phone or mobile phone is simple and saves money.

From within Skype calls can be made to ordinary or mobile phone numbers using SkypeOut starting at approximately $.02 per minute.

Having a Skype phone number offers convenience to contacts not on Skype.

For approximately $30 per year anyone can obtain a SkypeIn phone number with the area code of choice that will allow contacts outside the Skype network to call directly into Skype. You can also set up Skype Voicemail so people can leave you messages when you’re not around.
Other free Skype features

• Global User Directory
  A giant search-friendly phonebook of Skype users everywhere.
• Call Forward
  Send your calls to up to three other Skype IDs.
• Instant Message (same as chat)
  Include groups of up to 50 in one chat.
• File transfer
  Instantly send and receive those big, hard-to-send files safely.
• Call logs
  Keeps track of both calls and chats.
• Mobility
  Log into Skype from anywhere in the world.