Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Set up Skype
• Method 2 of 2: Have a conversation
• Warnings

Skype is a fun way to communicate for free with friends or family who are traveling or living in another country or continent. Most people have it these days, and it's a quick tool to use in place of a phone. Skype your friends, family and colleagues is fun and easy once you get the hang of it.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Set up Skype

1. Download Skype via Skype.com. Versions are available for every device, and the basic version is free to download. If you want to make phone calls, there are some costs involved. Either way, you can start communicating within seconds.
2. Open the Skype application from your desktop or the start menu and log in.
   • If you don't have a Skype account, you need to create one first. You will be asked for your basic information - you do not need to provide any important or secret information. You also create your account name and enter how your name will be displayed to others.
3. Create your contacts. On a Mac, click the + sign at the bottom of the page at the bottom of the Skype main window; on a PC, click above the contacts on the head and the + sign (in Windows 8 you have to right click on the main menu). Use the "Add Contact" button and then (for both computers) follow the displayed search instructions.
   • The other person must also accept your contact request. You cannot Skype with them until they have accepted. Skype will notify you when they have been added to your list.

Method 2 of 2: Have a conversation

1. Tell the contact that you want to Skype with them. This can happen spontaneously when they are online, or by leaving a message that they read when they come back online. Of course you can always text them to tell them to come online!
   • To see if they are online, look at the icon in front of their username. If there is a green check mark, they are online and available. If it is yellow, they are absent. A gray icon indicates that they are offline.
2. Have a conversation. A small window will appear at the bottom right of your screen when your contact logs in. You can also view the list on the left to see if your conversation partner is logged in. If so, click on his or her name. You can then make a video call or make a call.
   • Besides the possibilities to make a video call or make a call, you can also call their mobile phone or just type a message. You may want to send them a message before calling to make sure they are ready.
   • You can always mute your conversation by clicking the microphone button. There are a number of features you can use for a better user experience, so experiment. You can share your screen, have a group conversation, or use picture-in-picture.
3. End the conversation. After you say goodbye, of course. Click on the red round button with the phone at the bottom of the screen that appeared when you called the person.
   • If your call ends without the conversation partners having done so, there is a problem with the connection. It could be temporary, or either party has a bad connection. Video calls usually use more bandwidth, so make an audio-only call instead to improve quality.
4. To chat alone, enter your text in the box at the bottom and press Enter on your keyboard. If the person is offline, you will see a spinning circle to the right of your text. They receive the message when they log in.
   • You can use chat language, but know that not everyone knows it.

Warnings

• Nobody can Skype you unless you show that you are online. Click the down arrow next to the icon for your username at the top of the main screen and choose "online".
• Skype is only free if you have your conversation over the internet. If you call a phone number (which you can do, it's cheaper than calling a cell or landline), it costs money, and you have to buy credits for your Skype account before you can use it.