Skype Your Way Around The World

I’m an avid user of instant messaging (IM) since it’s so convenient and efficient for me to talk to my friends and family members that are online. I usually use iChat/AOL services for this purpose, but I also use Skype to communicate for those that don’t have iChat/AOL.

Skype has been around since 2003 and is a computer-to-computer (or peer-to-peer – P2P) network that allows you to speak, send text messages or files via the Internet at no cost. You can do all this with most regular instant messaging programs, but the difference with Skype is that it allows you to make phone calls to (non-computer based) phone numbers using Internet telephony (VoIP), and I find the sound is sometimes clearer than using iChat. Other buzz tells me that the voice quality is also better than MSN or Yahoo! chat.

Using the basic free Skype services comes with everything mentioned above plus the ability to conference with up to five users. SkypeOut is an additional service that allows you to make phone calls to regular landline numbers for an average cost of two cents a call. The prices vary depending on the destination you’re calling and costs more if you are dialing a cellular phone number. With Skypein, another service, you can get your own regular phone number so everyone can call you within their area code. If you have friends in many places, you can get up to 10 Skypein numbers that act as regular phone numbers. It costs about $12 for a three-month subscription and $37 for a year. It also comes with Skype’s voicemail service, so you’ll never really miss a call.

You can download Skype for free at www.skype.com. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux and Pocket PC platforms. Minimally, you require a computer with a microphone and speakers, or a headset with a microphone. The founders of the popular P2P file sharing software called KaZaA created Skype. The company’s goal with Skype is to provide a simple and reliable communications tool that just works. If you’re worried about your network configuration, it does works behind most firewalls and gateways without providing new security risks. Skype calls are encrypted for users’ security and a strict privacy policy is followed. Note that Skype is not a telephony replacement service and cannot be used for emergency 911 dialing.

If you’re not on Skype yet, and want to keep in touch with someone half way across the world, try it out for yourself. Hey why not, it’s free!