Skype- help required!

[Bigtomfu]

Afternoon all.

Maybe it's my bleary eyed post Ashes watching state but I can't quite figure out all this Skype business.

Recently some good friends moved to Japan for a few years and they reliably inform me that the cheapest way to interact with them is via the Skype network.

So I have downloaded the software, created my account etc but am still unsure as to how it all works properly.

Anyone a seasoned user that could shed some light on the matter, cost & general info?

 

[aftershavedave]

well you need a little skype headset for it to work at all, have you got that?

found the whole thing a pain in the arse to be honest, can never get anything like decent quality.

good luck though, i've got friends who say it works perfectly!

 

[Superphil]

I use it with a Logitech WebCam, with built in microphone, it works quite well.

I got it set up quite easily by following the instructions, all you need to do is find out the "Skype" user name of your friends, add it into your contacts list and away you go. Then again, MSN works pretty much just as well.

With Skype you can buy dedicated telephone handsets which you can use to make call from, not tried this, but there are a few of them availalble, even cordless types.

 

[Hiney]

Get yourself a VOIP phone, which plugs into your PC via a USB port.

The phone will be recognised as a piece of hardware in the usual way and then just follow the instructions on skype.

Like afters, I've had problems with sound quality, but put that down to the fact that I bought the cheapest possible handset.

 

[Bigtomfu]

Get yourself a VOIP phone, which plugs into your PC via a USB port.

The phone will be recognised as a piece of hardware in the usual way and then just follow the instructions on skype.

Like afters, I've had problems with sound quality, but put that down to the fact that I bought the cheapest possible handset.

Well that's my concern- going to get a voip headset today and will try and squeeze out a mid range priced one.

Also I thought it was "free"- but you have to buy credit??

Althought it looks as though it is a reasonable way to call overseas.

 

[Superphil]

You only buy credit if you want to call non Voip/Skype numbers

 

[Kent Seagull]

Skype works ok for me. I use a webcam and a separate mic. It's not bad for video chats, mind you msn can do pretty much the same thing.

 

[Springal]

i prefer my cisco 7960 phone that connects to my works SIP pbx in london