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"Skype" for Free Desk-Top Video Conferences?It is not widely known that Skype includes free video-conferencing from the desk-top since January 2006 (V2.0.0.69). Desk-top video-conferencing can eliminate the need for special video-conferencing equipment and rooms. For existing Skype users, the only additional technical requirement is a web camera.On 15 November 2007, Skype released V3.6.0.216 for Windows which now supports “High Quality Video", ie. quality and features are similar to those found in middle-range V/C systems, eg. full-screen and screen-in-screen modes. Of course, this requires reasonable fast PC and internet connection. Skype estimates that one in four calls already involve video, so the "High Quality Video" capability is expected to boost the popularity of video calls - both for professional collaborations across the globe and for staying in touch with family and friends. Skype also allows you to make free voice calls, Instant Messaging (IM) and file transfers to other Skype users. It also allows very low cost phone calls to normal phones or mobiles and SMS messages to mobiles. 
By the way, it is not spelt Skypie, Skpye, Skyppe, Skipe, Scipe, Skaip, Skaipie or Viop, Vidoe Confrencing, VoIPDownloadVC, Confrenece or Confrence... What do I need to use Skype Video-Conferencing?1. A computer running Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X or Linux. 2. A Skype-compatible headphone/microphone head-set  or the built-in microphone and speaker if you are using a laptop. 3. A PC-compatible Webcam - sometimes already built into your laptop. 4. A fast internet connection broadband 5. The Skype software - free download from Skype You are now ready to make free video conferences with other Skype users! 6. To include non-Skype participants (voice only, but very low cost), put at least $15 of "SkypeOut" credit is not required if you only want to video-conference with other Skype users. MasterCard and Visa are OK, but a free PayPal account is the easiest and safest payment method!
7. Read Video Conferencing books and manuals  to maximise the effectiveness of your Skype V-C system. Skype Books we recommend:Skype For Dummies -
the name says it all!Skype Hacks: Innovative and Fun Tips & Tools  -
ideal guide for new Skype ring tones and fun on-hold music or replacing your "regular" phone service altogether.Skype - From Single User to Small Enterprise and Beyond  -
the author is one of the most recognized and respected authorities on Skype.Skype - The Definitive Guide  -
written by Skype insiders, this is the only official guide to Skype.Skype "EasyGuide" Booklet - read how to get the most out of Skype. FREE! Installation Procedure:Download the free software from Skype.comTest the Skype Video-Conference set-up: After you have installed Skype, type in the Skype-name "Echo123" into the Skype-name/phone-# field (see picture on left) and click on the green phone-button. An automated system will answer your call, ask you to record a test message and replay that test message back to you. If you appear to have problems with your microphone or speakers, go to Skype's Sound Set Up Guide that
message back to you.Use Skype to take part in Conference calls:You can use Skype to hold conference calls with up to 10 participants which may include participants on normal phones using SkypeOut. From the Skype menu, go to Skype -> Call -> Start Conference Call...If you want to use Skype to participate in conventional phone conferences, it is quite simple: 1. You will need to have some SkypeOut credit 2. You call the conference call dial-in number 3. If requested, use Skype's keypad to mouse-click the PIN number
4. The cost is ~$0.02 a minute So, what else can Skype do for me? Skype allows you to make and receive calls from your PC: Use the Skype file-transfer function: Very useful, especially during video conferences - you can exchange files in the background. Use the Skype Instant Messaging (IM) function: Also very useful during video conferences: you can communicate with individual participants via IM-style "chat". Skype for Business: Skype is great for business communication:
Watch the video, then check out the Business Control Panel! The Skype EasyGuide Booklet:This FREE comprehensive booklet covers all aspects of installing and using Skype. A special section shows how to get the most out of Skype.Ch. 1: Introduction Ch. 2: What is "Voice over IP" (VoIP)? Ch. 3: Why use VoIP? (Real-life user stories) Ch. 4: What is "Skype"? Ch. 5: What do I need to use "Skype"? (PC compatibility) Ch. 6: What type of Internet connection is required to use Skype? (incl. list of compatible internet services) Ch. 7: I don't have a PC / Internet. What do I do? Ch. 8: How do I install Skype? A step-by-step pictured guide Ch. 9: OK, now let's test Skype! Ch. 10: It's WORKING! So let's call someone! Ch. 11: What do my calls cost? Ch. 12: How do I send less-than-half-price SMSs? Ch. 13: Using the Skype Instant Messaging (IM) chat function Ch. 14: Getting the most out of Skype: Sending files, voice-mail, security, etc. Ch. 15: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Each chapter explains the functions and set-up of Skype in step-by-step detail. Pictures show how it is done. Each chapter has a "What if..." trouble-shooting section! The authors of the "Skype EasyGuide" booklet, Sandra Thompson and Robert Northman, are non-technical users like you who have learnt the hard way and are now sharing their experiences with us... Download your FREE 27-page "Skype EasyGuide" booklet now. More cool features and sites: The VoIP Skype FREE download site: www.Skype.com Info on cheap SMS Texting using Skype Skype compatible head-sets and phones Read Books and Guides on Video Conferencing to unlock the secrets of Voice-over-IPSkype support web site http://Support.Skype.com | |||
| Skype Security and Technical Information | |||
| Make Skype secure: It is preferable to exclude your personal data (birthdate, gender, home number, etc.) from your personal profile as it is visible and searchable for>100 million Skype users. ● To prevent getting rogue calls, go to Skype -> Tools> Options -> Privacy and click the two "Only people from my Contacts can ..." options! ● Do the same in the Tools> Options -> Video to prevent rogue video connections. ● To prevent constant taskbar notifications as people go online/offline, go to Skype -> Tools -> Options -> Notifications and unclick "Display Notification in the Windows tray when someone..." -> "... comes online"!
More at www.skype.com/security/safety/safety.html. Are Skype Video-Conferences secure? Skype is encrypted end-to-end because it uses the internet to transport your voice calls and text messages and sometimes these calls are routed through other peers. Skype encryption ensures that no-one can eavesdrop on your call or read your instant messages. What Standards does Skype support: While Skype uses the TCP/IP internet standards to communicate and AES encryption (see above) standard, the actual communication mechanism uses proprietary peer-to-peer VoIP technology (see www.joltid.com and www.GIPSCorp.com). Skype at this point in time cannot interoperate with other Video-Conferencing systems. Archiving Chat Sessions: You can view and export any chat session. Type the command into the lower chat window, preceded by a forward-slash "/": | |||
| /history /htmlhistory /find "text" | Display the full history for the chat in the chat window; you can then search and review it Export the full history for the chat into your internet browser; you can then print or save it Find messages containing "text" in the chat window (Example: /find Sydney) See
more Skype chat commands. | ||
| More technical information: Skype User Help & Support Page Official Skype Release Notes Read VoIP Textbooks and Guides to unlock the secrets of Voice-over-IPProviders of Video Conferencing products and services, on this site! We are not part of or associated with Skype. Skype™, SkypeOut™, SkypeIn™, Skype Me, the "Skype" and "S" logos are trademarks of Skype Limited. | |||
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