Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the world wide web. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions. Skype was publically released in 2003 and now accounts for roughly a third of all international calling minutes. Skype makes use of P2P know-how to connect users on a gigantic number of platforms including desktop, mobile and tablet. The call quality (depending on your web signal) and additional features like conversation history, conference calling and secure file transfer are excellent. There's been some criticisms over the programs bandwidth usage and security vulnerabilities.
Simple to Use
One time you�ve downloaded and installed Skype, you will require to generate a user profile and 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 and makes maintaining with distant family/friends much more interactive. Video conferencing and the Screenshare features make Skype popular with the corporate market. Skype�s text chat client features group chat, chat history, message editing and emoticons. Skype also allows calls to landlines and mobiles using a premium paid service.
Skype�s UI is intuitive and straightforward to make use of. All the classic messaging service features like profiles, online status, contacts and recent history are displayed in the left navigation. Here you will also find the Skype listing, group options, a search box and premium calling buttons. The right side (main window) opens the content you pick. For individual contacts you will notice a text message box, chat history and calling options.
Call Quality
On fast web connections Skype call quality is excellent for both voice and video calls. The hybrid peer-to-peer client server method means the sound quality is better than most VoIP services. That being said, in the event you do have a slower web connection, voice calls may be interrupted or delayed. Video calls will be intermittent and pixelated. Text chat will only be affected by poor connections. The call quality button will give you detailed knowledge on the expected call quality for each of your contacts (as the quality depends on both parties web connection).Download
