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Skype is a little program for making free calls over the internet to anyone else who also has Skype. It’s free and easy to download and use, and works with most computers.
Skype, the popular Voice over IP (VoIP) calling and messaging software, has been updated for the Mac to version 1.4. The new release is available for free download from Skype’s Web site.
Using Skype, you can instant message or voice chat for free with other Skype users. Skype also offers premium services that allow you to make outbound calls to any landline or cell phone number, accept incoming calls, and store inbound calls in voicemail.
What is "Skype"?
Skype is a great piece of free software that allows you to make free phone calls using "Voice over IP" (VoIP) to other Skype users. Many in the international HL7 community use Skype.
Test Skype:
Once installed place a Skype call to "Echo123" to check you connection, your microphone and your speakers. An automated system will answer your call, ask you to record a 10-second test message and replay that test message back to you.
If you appear to have problems with your microphone or speakers, go to Skype's Sound Set Up Guide for instructions on how to set up and test your headset, microphone and speakers.
If you send a "Call me" chat message to "Echo123", the automated system will call you, ask you to record a 10-second test message and replay that test message back to you.
Make Skype secure:
It is preferable to exclude your personal data (birthdate, sex, home number, etc.) from your personal profile as it is visible and searchable for >100 million Skype users.
To prevent getting rogue calls, go to File -> Options -> Privacy and click the two "Only people from my Contacts can ..." options!
To prevent constant taskbar notifications as people go online/offline, go to File -> Options -> Advanced and unclick "Display Online Notifications in the system tray"!
How does Skype protect my privacy?
Skype is encrypted end-to-end because it uses the public Internet to transport your voice calls and text messages and sometimes these calls are routed through other peers. Skype encryption ensures that no other party can eavesdrop on your call or read your instant messages.
Skype uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES, also known as Rijndael) which is used by U.S. Government organizations to protect sensitive information. Skype uses 256-bit encryption, which has a total of 1.1 x 1077 possible keys, in order to actively encrypt the data in each Skype call or instant message. Skype uses 1024 bit RSA to negotiate symmetric AES keys. User public keys are certified by the Skype server at login using 1536 or 2048-bit RSA certificates.
What Standards does Skype support:
While Skype uses the TCP/IP internet standards to communicate and AES encryption (see above) standard, the actual communication mechanism uses proprietary peer-to-peer VoIP technology .
Use the Skype Instant Messaging (IM) function:
Very useful, especially during phone conferences or if the voice line breaks - you can still communicate via a IM-style function.
Use the Skype file-transfer function: Very useful, especially during phone conferences - you can exchange files in the background.
Make calls to people who do not have a computer and Skype:
Skype has a very useful, but pay-for option called "SkypeOut". You purchase some "SkypeOut" credits (starts with 10 euros) and can then call any phone number world-wide (includes Mobile/cell/hand-phones). The cost is between 0.01c and 0.15c per minute.
Use Skype to take part in Conference calls:
You can use Skype to hold conference calls with up to 5 participants, which may include people on normal phones using SkypeOut. If you want to use Skype to participate in conventional phone conferences, it is quite simple:
1) You purchase some "SkypeOut" credits (starts with 10 euros).
2) You call into the conference call dial-in number.
3) Use Skype's keypad to mouse-click the PIN number.
4) The cost is about $0.02 a minute.
What type of Internet connection is required to use Skype?:
While broadband is always better (but don't use WiFi), I have found Skype to work well on 56k modem lines (overseas I have sometimes even used 33kb which is bearable...).
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