SkypeSkype is a program that allows users to message and talk to each other over the internet at no cost to the user.
Skype also has webcam chat capabilities, which too are completely free. Skype does offer users the opportunity to call landlines and mobiles, but to do this you need to buy Skype credit.
Skype call quality is surprisingly good, considering the amount of people using it at any one time. This means that as long as the other person has a good microphone, you can here them, almost as if they were in the room with you. | |  | Responsible for 8% of global international calling minutes, and with its users making 3.1 billion minutes of calls to landlines and mobiles in the third quarter of 2009, Skype is a leading global internet communications company. |  |
| | Source: Skype Website |
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| | The instant messaging system and calls to other Skype users is free, which is really good, as it means that as long as you have an internet connection, you can speak to anyone else online for free. Calls to mobiles and landlines however do cost.
All you need to get started with Skype is a set of speakers and a microphone, or a headset. Skype also sell their own headset, but I think that it is very costly, and I have bought one that I believe to be just a good for a much price.
Skype was founded in Luxembourg in 2003 and has grew hugely in popularity since then. |
Skype currently operates in over 40 countries, with more being added all the time. This means that you can contact anyone, almost anywhere in the world for free, all you need is a computer and an internet connection. | At peak times, there are up to 20 million people online. | |
| | Source: Skype Website |
| | Skype call quality is surprisingly good, considering the amount of people using it at any one time. This means that as long as the other person has a good microphone, you can here them, almost as if they were in the room with you. |
You may be thinking, instant messaging and good quality calls, to anyone, almost anywhere, all for free... so, why doesn't everyone use it? I cannot really find an answer to that question, however I believe that it could for a number of possible reasons:
- Security - some people may be more comfortable using a telephone, as they think it is a more secure way of communicating with others
- Alternatives - things like Google talk are in competition with Skype, and some people choose this (and others) as their preferred communications method
- Lack of knowledge- some people believe that they would not be able to operate the software, or they simply don't know about it.
I think Skype is a fantastic free way of communicating with people. If you haven't tried it, I think you should definitely give it a go!
Posted By: Christopher (Admin)
Date posted: 21st April 2010
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