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Getting started with Skype


Getting started with Skype
  1. Download Skype at www.skype.com. When a dialogue box opens, click ‘Save file’. Remember where you save the file – the desktop is a good place.
  2. After the download has finished, open the file and follow the Set Up Wizard to complete installation.
  3. Launch the program by clicking on the Skype icon on your desktop or toolbar.
  4. Set up your profile through the ‘File’ tab. Use the message box for important notes, for example that you’re traveling. Account -> Setting enables you to change your password and preferences.
  5. Notice the three tabs: ‘Add contact’, ‘Search for Skype users’ and ‘Create conference’. ‘Add contact’ enables you to add friends and colleagues you know are using Skype. ‘Search for Skype users’ enables you to search for friends of colleagues using name or email. ‘Create conference’ allows you to invite up to 8 other Skype contacts to a text or voice chat.

Skype tips and tricks:
  • Actively share your information with friends and colleagues. Add new contacts to your Skype address book.
  • Sort your contacts into groups, making them easier to find.
  • Encourage coworkers to sign up for Skype. This will make interoffice communications more efficient.
  • Use your status window to tell your contacts where you are, how they can reach you, etc.

Considerations
  • Visibility. Setting privacy controls is a good idea, unless you want to be publicly visible. Being publicly visible may enable old friends to contact you, but it may also open the door to spammers. (Skype: File menu->Privacy settings-> Allow only those in your contact list to call you). Also, carefully consider your online status. Being online will tell others that you're available. That's the point, and something you generally want to do. But if you're not available - for example, you're rushing to finish a project and can't actually talk at that moment - you may want to change your status.
  • Know the culture. Carefully consider how you use these tools. Both tools are best used as a way to ask quick questions or establish meetings. They're not appropriate for all uses, and shouldn’t replace normal email communication.
  • While computer-computer voice communication is free, there is a small cost for communicating with a phone line.