Thursday, February 9, 2012

Skype - An Overview

By Kathleen Burch


Skype is a VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service that offers users a number of advantages over land based telephones. Using the broadband connection on a PC as a phone line is what VOIP systems do. Although you can purchase a dedicated VOIP handset, it is not necessary for most types of calls.

You are ready to get started once you have a PC, headset comprising earphones and a microphone. You can start connecting with your fellow Skype users once you have set up your user profile because Skype can be downloaded free off the Internet. Calls to other Skype users are not charged for and the rates for calls to non-Skype users are lower than normal land line rates, although there may be time limits for international calls.

Video calls to other Skype users as well as to mobile phones will also be facilitated by Skype on PC with a webcam and headset. Skype has an application for most smart phones, including the iPhone and Blackberry. You also do not use your monthly minutes if you make calls on your mobile Skype-to-Skype.

For businesses that operate globally, a very useful tool is the facility that Skype has for conference calls. You can make calls to other Skype users on PC or mobile if you do not have a Skype handset since you will need a handset if you want to phone a land line.

Not all Skype's services are free, but they certainly will save you money compared to traditional telephony rates. You will have to pay a small fee if you want to receive calls from landlines and mobile phones that are not using Skype. For voicemail and text messaging, a small fee will also be incurred.

To cover these fees, Skype offers a number of payment options. You will be allowed to pay upfront because of these prepaid options. You will have to pay again once that amount is used up. Another alternative are monthly payments or you can buy Skype credits and use those to pay these fees. A prepaid Skype card is available in most parts of the world as well. Other payments that Skype accepts are those made via Paypal, Moneybookers, and major credit cards.

Quality VOIP service is offered by Skype and this includes no lagging, calls dropped very rarely, no freezing of video, and good quality audio and video. If you do business on a global scale or have family and friends in all corners of the world, free calls on Skype could result in considerable savings.




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