What’s this Skype thing?

Skype is a Voice over Internet Protocol service. Simply, it allows you to use your broadband-connected computer like a telephone system and call other people for two-way and conference calls. You can use a headset or a special phone that usually plugs into the USB port of your computer. At a pinch, you can use the built in mic and speaker of your laptop.

If you and the person you’re calling both have free Skype accounts, the call is free no matter where you are and however long you talk. If you want to call a cell-phone or landline, you can purchase SkypeOut credits that give you fixed-rate low-cost world-wide calling. If you want others to be able to call you from a landline, you can buy a SkypeIn number. I have a London number and a New York number. If you’re in the UK, you can call the London number and, if I’m on line, I’ll be able to talk to you and you’ll pay for the cost of a UK call regardless of where I am in the world. The same for the USA number. Both numbers have voicemail, as does my Skype account, so I’ll pick up your message next time I’m online. You save, and I save and everyone’s happy except for my cell-phone company!

Check out Skype for yourself here:

http://www.skype.com