What Is It?

Skype is an internet-based phone service. You can call other Skype users on the internet for free, and you can call regular phones for a few cents per minute.

Skype's interface is similar to that of an IM client. You download the Skype program, then add "contacts" (other Skype users) to your Skype list. Your list shows you which of your contacts are also on Skype at the moment, and you can call any of them.

Main Skype window

Requirements

To use Skype, you'll need at least 512 MB of RAM (almost all computers have that these days), as well as a microphone or a headset that plugs into your computer. Modern Apple Mac computers have microphones built-in. If you need one, look for a "USB headset," which can be had for as little as $30 at Best Buy.

Getting Started

Start by downloading Skype. This will download an installer file; just double-click it to install Skype. You can then access it by clicking on Start > All Programs > Skype > Skype (on Windows).

Once you've launched Skype, you'll see the main Skype interface, which is a blank Contact list. In the menu, click Contacts > Add Contacts, type in the name of another person on Skype, and click the Search button. If they have a Skype account, click the Add button to add them to your contact list.

To call someone on your contact list, just double-click on their name (by default, you can only call people on your contact list). A large grey window will appear as Skype attempts to call that person. If Skype is able to connect to the other person, a call will automatically start.

To start a text chat session with someone, click on their name once, then click the round blue text bubble icon next to their name.