Skype 6.14.0.104

Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP & instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video & voice call over the net. Users can also call landlines & mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts & subscriptions. Skype was publically released in 2003 & now accounts for roughly a third of all international calling minutes. Skype makes use of P2P know-how to connect users on a mass of platforms including desktop, mobile & tablet. The call quality (depending on your web signal) & additional features like conversation history, conference calling & secure file transfer are excellent. There's been some criticisms over the programs bandwidth usage & security vulnerabilities.

Skype Calling

One time you�ve downloaded & installed Skype, you will need to generate a user profile & unique Skype name. You can then search for other users in the Skype listing or call them directly using their Skype name. Voice chat comes with conference calling, secure file transfer as well as a highly secure finish to finish encryption. Video chat is available on higher bandwidth connections & makes maintaining with distant family/friends much more interactive. Video conferencing & the Screenshare features make Skype popular with the corporate market. Skype�s text chat client features group chat, chat history, message editing & emoticons. Skype also allows calls to landlines & mobiles using a premium paid service.

Simple to Use

Skype�s UI is very intuitive & straightforward to make use of. All the classic messaging service features like profiles, online status, contacts & recent history are displayed in the left navigation. Here you will also find the Skype listing, group options, a search box & premium calling buttons. The right side (main window) opens the content you select. For individual contacts you will notice a text message box, chat history & calling options.

Call Quality

Summary

On fast web connections Skype call quality is excellent for both voice & video calls. The hybrid peer-to-peer client server process means the sound quality is better than most VoIP services. That being said, in case you do have a slower web connection, voice calls may be interrupted or delayed. Video calls will be intermittent & pixelated. Text chat will only be affected by very poor connections. The call quality button will give you detailed information on the expected call quality for each of your contacts (as the quality depends on both parties web connection).

Microsoft no longer allows hosting of their installers. So they are redirecting to their download page.


If you�re looking for a reliable & straightforward to make use of VoIP client, you�ll find it hard to beat Skype. Microsoft�s purchase of Skype in 2011 has further stabilized the platform & accelerated development as Microsoft used Skype to replace its aging messaging service Windows Live Messenger. Click on the green download button to give it a try.Download