How do I Setup Skype?

[VelMurugan]

How do I Setup Skype?

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP for short, is quickly becoming recognized as one of the leading ways of communication over the Internet.

Skype is one of the most widely used programs for PC to PC calling using VoIP. To use this, you will need to have Skype installed on your computer.

You can download skype from Get Skype.
A window will open asking what you want to do with a file called SkypeSetup.exe. Click 'Run' to downloads and execute the software. A confirmation message may appear asking if you're sure you want to run this software. Just click 'Run' again.

Skype enables you to talk to anyone around the world for free. However there are a few requirements that must be met by both ends calling. This consists of a few key bits of equipment:

    * A broadband Internet connection
    * A microphone
    * Speakers
    * Skype

When the download has finished, the Skype Setup Wizard will appear and guide you through the rest of the installation. The installation is self explanitory. Accept the terms of service, and click "next". Skype should begin to install - it should take no less than 10 seconds.

Depending on what version you have downloaded, it will give you the choice to install a toolbar for Internet explorer. This is not essential, and is your own choice. After the installation wizard has finished, there should hopefully be a new icon on your desktop - a white S inside a light blue circle - This is the Skype Icon.

Upon running Skype for the first time, you will be confronted with a login dialogue box. This is where you will enter your Skype login details. If you do not have an account, just click "Don't have a Skype name" underneath the Username field.

This will cause another dialogue box to appear, with several more fields; asking you for your name, your desired Skype name, and your desired password. All this information is kept confidential. After filling these out, and accepting the terms and conditions, click next. Another dialogue box pops up asking for your current email address and your Country and city. After filling out the desired fields, hit "Sign in" and you should be signed in.

After you have successfully signed in for the first time, a "getting started" guide will appear. This guide will help you to configure your microphone and speakers so that optimum performance can be achieved. Following the on-screen instructions, you should not encounter any problems.

To test your set-up, go to the main Skype window. In the contacts section, there should be 1 contact, the Skype test call. By calling this number (double clicking) you can listen to what your microphone sounds like, and what to expect from a call.

Once you are satisfied with your sound, the set-up is complete. You can now easily access Skype and use it to make calls anytime, without having to pay a cent.

[sakunthala]

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