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 internet. 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 uses P2P technology to connect users
on a multitude of platforms including desktop, mobile and tablet. The call
quality (depending on your internet signal) and additional features like
conversation history, conference calling and secure file transfer are
excellent. There have been some criticisms over the programs bandwidth usage
and security vulnerabilities.
Calling
Once
you’ve downloaded and installed Skype, you will need to create a user profile
and unique Skype name. You can then search for other users in the Skype
directory or call them directly using their Skype name. Voice chat comes with
conference calling, secure file transfer and a highly secure end to end
encryption. Video chat is available on higher bandwidth connections and makes
keeping up 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 enables calls to landlines and mobiles using
a premium paid service..
Call Quality
On fast
internet connections Skype call quality is excellent for both voice and video
calls. The hybrid peer-to-peer client server system means the sound quality is
better than most VoIP services. That being said, if you do have a slower
internet connection, voice calls may be interrupted or delayed. Video calls
will be intermittent and pixelated. Text chat will only be affected by very
poor connections. The call quality button will give you detailed information on
the expected call quality for each of your contacts (as the quality depends on
both parties internet connection).
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