Skype

Step 1: Download Skype

In your Google Search or search engine of choice, type in “Skype” and hit “enter” to search. This will bring up the search results, with Skype being one of them. Click on the link to the website to open up the homepage. You can also type skype.com into your computer’s address bar to be taken directly to the website.

On Skype’s homepage, you should see an option that says “Create a Free Meeting or Download Skype”. Click on “Download Skype”. This will take you to a webpage that is split in two: the left side is for if you want to use Skype on your desktop, and the right side is for if you want to use Skype on your phone. In this case, click “Get Skype for Windows”, as you’re looking to get it on your desktop.

Step 2: Install Skype

You will see, in the bottom toolbar on your screen, that Skype is loading as a downloaded file on your computer. When the loading icon has disappeared, click on the tab, which will bring up a popup asking, “Do You Want To Allow This App To Make Changes To Your Device?” Click “Yes”, then click “Install”. It will take up to a minute or two for installation to complete.

Step 3: Create A Skype Account

Once you’ve finished the download install process, you will see a new icon for Skype along the bottom of your screen: it’s a blue circle with a white “S” in the middle of it. Click this icon, then click “Let’s Go”, then “Sign in or create”. You can then create an account, or, if you already have an account, sign in.

Step 4: Consider Skype On Your Phone

If you love Skype on your desktop, you’ll want to get it on your mobile to make it even more convenient and simple to use on-the-go. The easiest way to do this is to visit the Apple Store or the Google Play Store and type in “Skype”, then click on the top result and click “Download”. After several minutes of installation, you will be able to log into your phone’s Skype app with your desktop username and password.

How To Use Skype

There is a lot of software on the market for connecting with friends, family, and colleagues. But nothing compares to Skype and all the options you have for FREE!

Once you’ve installed the software and set up your account, you’re pretty much on your way to connecting with people from all over the world.

If you want to find your friends and family on Skype, this can easily be done by choosing one or both of the options below.

• If you have a contact list in your Microsoft account, then finding people is super easy! Just import your existing contacts, and poof, all your family, and friends will be added to your Skype account.
• No Microsoft contacts list? No problem! Just use the search Skype box and type in their full name or email address, and hit search. A list will populate with any matched people who fit your criteria.

If more than one person shows up in your search, you can quickly go through the list by looking at the profile pictures and find the person you are looking for.

Building a contact list has never been easier; each person you chat with will automatically be added to your contact list. If you don’t want an individual to remain on your list, you can simply delete their details, and they won’t appear in your contact list again.

Voice, Video, Or Chat

The options are limitless when using Skype! If you want to video chat with an old friend from school or enjoy a special moment with a loved one, it’s all at the click of a button.

If you prefer not to be seen, maybe it’s a bad hair day: just opt for the no video option and talk just like you would on your phone. Have you changed your mind mid-conversation? No problem, simply turn on the video option, and you will now be seen by the other party.

Note: Keep in mind that they will need to do the same if you want to see them as well!

Not in the mood for speaking or videoing? No worries, you can use the chat feature just like you would on any other chat enabled device and speak to one or more people at the same time. As we said, the options really are limitless, and the quality is insanely good for free software. In fact, many companies and entrepreneurs use Skype to conduct their daily business with their clients on a regular daily basis.

Things To Consider

All of the above sounds great, but if you don’t have a good microphone or quality camera, things might not go as well as expected.

You don’t need to break the bank to find a high-quality microphone or camera these days; they are so popular that just about everybody is selling them, including grocery stores!

Some people prefer to use a headset when videoing or calling; however, it really comes down to personal preference and what you are using Skype for. Mom might not mind the background noise, but a boss or client will probably find it annoying and consider it to be unprofessional.

The chat option is available with or without video and is often used during a video call with multiple people. If you’re attending an online event via Skype, you will probably notice a lot of people sending messages via the chat option.

Remember, you don’t have control over whether or not the other person uses their video during a video conference or call. You also have the option to turn your camera off and on at your convenience.