Getting Started with Skype

A. Summary:

To use Skype for free calling from computer to computer, or from computer to regular phone, use a headset with a built-in mike and a broadband, not a modem, Internet connection. Download and install the latest version of Skype for a PC or a Mac from www.skype.com.

B. Key Points:

· Start by downloading the free current version of Skype at www.skype.com

· Check the Skype site regularly for updates

· Skype can work on Macs as well as PCs

· You will need a broadband connection, not a modem, to use Skype: DSL, cable or a T1 line

· Although the voice quality with Skype is good, it will vary with your equipment, Internet connection speed and Internet traffic

· Do not use VPN (Virtual Private Network) while on a Skype call

· For corrections, updates, or clarifications on this Star Point, please email ewallace@afsc.org

C. Details:

To begin using a free Voice over IP (Internet Protocol), go the Skype homepage at www.skype.com and download the latest version of Skype. The regular download will probably be for Windows XP. Look in the box on the left to choose a Mac OS X or a Linux version. Skype updates its software and adds new features regularly, so check their website periodically for newer versions.

Equipment Needed

Although you can use your computer’s speakers and a hand-held microphone like Creative that comes with the Creative PC camera, you will find it much more convenient to purchase a headset with a built-in microphone. This will leave your hands free and it will provide better voice quality. A Plantronics headset like the Audio 500 is a good current (2006) recommendation. Keep in mind that the voice quality will be affected by the sound quality on both sides of the conversation. If you are having a problem, check what equipment your contact is using.

You may also want to install a webcam (cost: about $40) so you can send a small picture of yourself to your contacts. You do not need a webcam to see others who have one.

Do not use your Virtual Private Network (VPN) while using Skype. Because of the encryption in VPN and the extra steps it takes to ensure your traffic is going through a secure tunnel, your Skype call may deteriorate or have drop-offs if your VPN is on. To learn more about VPN, link to VPN Connecting.

System Requirements: Although Skype will work with the following minimum requirements, it will perform better with their recommended system requirements.

PCs Minimum Recommended

Windows XP or 2000 Windows XP or 2000

400 MHz processor 1 GHz processor

128 MB RAM 256 MB RAM

15 MB free disk space 30 MB free disk space

Soundcard, speakers and mike Full duplex sound card (most made after 1998), headset

Macs

Macintosh computer with G3, G4, G5, or Intel processor

Mac OS X v10.3.9 Panther or newer. (The widget requires Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.)

128 MB RAM

20 MB free disk space

Microphone

Internet connection (either dial-up: minimum 33.6 Kbps, or any broadband: cable, DSL, etc.)

Installing Skype and Making a Skype Test Call

1. First make sure your headset and microphone, or your speakers and microphone, are working properly. You may have to go to Start menu--Settings--Control Panel--Sounds and Audio Devices to adjust them if you have not used them before. Skype does have a sound setup guide on its website. Select the right one for your operating system. Here is the one for Windows XP (this is for those who use XP style; there is another page if you use the Classic XP style): http://www.skype.com/help/guides/soundsetup_xp.html.

2. Run the Skype setup program. An Install Wizard will guide you through the whole process.

3. If you get an Internet Security warning, click on Run again. Select your language and read and accept the License Agreement.

4. Click on Install. Accept the default location and options for the installation.

5. Now you will be asked to create your Skype account. Choose a Skype name and password. You can choose any name -- it does not have to be your real name. Given the widespread use of Skype, expect that your first choice may be taken already. In this case you can add numbers to your name. The name needs to be at least 6 characters in length.

6. Click again that you have read the License Agreement and Privacy statements and you accept them. You should really read them.

7. Give Skype your email address. This is optional, but if you forget your password, Skype will need to know this in order to re-send you your password. Also, other Skype users can search for you, using your email address. Uncheck “Send me Skype news and offers” if you don’t want them. Entering your city can help others better identify you.

8. If you get a Windows Firewall security alert, you may need to exclude Skype from the programs blocked by the firewall. (Go to Start menu--Control Panel--Windows Firewall--Add Program. Add the Skype program.)

9. If you get notified that your chosen Skype name is already in use, pick another one.

10. Now you can test your sound settings for Skype, using the Skype Test Call listed under Contacts. Click on the Contact and then on the green Call button. You will be given a helpful Internet site to click on if you have problems with your sound settings.

11. Now you can add people to your Contact list of other Skype users you want to call. You can do a search for them using their email address, but it is much quicker if you already know their Skype name and fill in the information using the menu choice Contacts--Add a Contact. You can also import Contacts from your email address book.

12. Once you have a Skype name in your Contact list, highlight the name and click on the green Call button. You can tell if the Contact is on-line by looking at the icon next to his/her name. You can also change your own Skype status by going to File--Change Online Status:

13. If you receive a call from another Skype user, and you have your headphones on or your speakers turned on, you will hear a ringing sound. The Skype icon in your system tray will flash. Click on this Skype icon and answer the call by clicking on the green telephone in Skype. You can refuse the call by clicking on the red telephone or by not answering.

14. Under the History tab, you will see a list of all your incoming and outgoing Skype calls and any calls you missed while offline.

15. If you want to call an ordinary phone using Skype (a separate program called SkypeOut), you will first need to buy credit for your Skype account. For the rest of 2006, Skype calls to ordinary phone lines in the U. S. and Canada are free.

16. Go to File--Edit My Profile to fill in optional fields that may make it easier for other Skype users to find you. Be aware that if you choose in your options to make your profile available to other Skype users (there are millions of them) any of these users can search for you using the information in your profile.