| Skype VoIP |
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Skype has now given 1.1 version for Windows and 1.0 for Mac, Linux, and Pocket PCs and the good side is that it allows free download; no ads; free Skype-to-Skype calls and conference calling for up to five people. Skype is an integrated solution that puts together service and software, resulting in matchless simplicity of use. To enjoy free calling, what you need to do is that you need to convince the person whom you want to talk to, for downloading Skype. The software is easy to set up with easy instructions to follow. And for those friends and family you can't convince to download and install Skype, you can still call them from your PC by dropping some euros onto a prepaid SkypeOut account. To take full advantage of Skype your PC should meet the following minimum specifications: PC running Windows 2000 or XP, 400 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM 15 MB free disk space on your hard drive, Sound Card, speakers and microphone Internet Connection (either dial-up: minimum 33.6 Kbps modem, or any broadband: cable, DSL, etc.) It looks quite similar to an IM Client than a softphone. Here user sign up with a username rather than a phone number and to initiate a call instead of dialing a number, you can just click a username from your contact list. The first time you start Skype, you will be asked to choose a Skype Name and password. The Skype Name and password fields are required in order to use Skype. You can choose any name but it must be at least 6 characters in length. If the name is already in use by someone else you will have to try another name. If you wish, you can allow Skype to start automatically each time you start windows. With Skype always running, other users will be more likely to find you online. There's even an IM option, through which you can initiate a conference call. And now it is possible for up to 5 people to VOIP conference call with Skype! Starting a VOIP conference call is simple with Skype and there are several ways to do it. If you want to dial several people all at once and start a conference call with them, you first need to select participants from your Contact List and can thus start conference call. It is worth noticing that the host of the conference (the person who started the conference) is the only person that can add new participants. In addition, because Skype conferences are done Peer-to-Peer, it's important that the conference host (the person who starts the conference) has a good Internet connection and computer. If you are planning to conference with many participants you should choose the person with the best Internet connection to be the initiator (host) of the conference. A separate download, PocketSkype, gives a Pocket PC-based, Wi-Fi-enabled handheld the ability to act as an IM and make calls from any hot spot. Call quality consistently remains of good quality but here the VOIP voice quality is affected by the equipment on both sides of the conversation. The best way to ensure high quality sound is to have a headset on both ends of the conversation. Though there is noticeable time lag between when the word is spoken and heard but that is very slight and can easily be ignored. Though the software is for free quite surprisingly it is also ad-free. With no activation fees it always remains an inexpensive alternative for the occasional international phone call till you are comfortable talking through a microphone or a headset attached to your PC instead of using your regular phone. As few calls gets abruptly dropped after few seconds of establishment so Skype should always remain an alternative but not a substitute for your existing telephone. Skype ensures your privacy by showing the fact that you are online only to those users that you have explicitly authorized to see this information. When another user adds you to his/her Contact list, you'll get an Authorization Request pop-up dialog. If you "Accept" the request, the user is considered authorized by you. If you "Deny" the request, the user will not become authorized (note that nothing is communicated back to the requester). If you block a user, the user will no longer be able to communicate with you (and vice versa). You will always appear offline to the users that you have blocked. To make calls to regular telephone (PSTN) first you need that your account is activated and you have a positive credit balance (you need to have at least enough credit left to make a 1 min call to the country you want to call) you will be able to type a phone number into the address field and hit enter or call. Skype does not offer refunds. If you feel that you were charged incorrectly or you are owed an amount for whatever reason, please contact Customer Service with stating your full name, Skype name and the exact nature of your problem.
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