Can anyone help me re Skype please. Does it 'fit' any computer and does it matter which internet provider you are with? Does everyone you want to speak with have to have the skype?
Lots of questions I know but you are all such an intelligent lot!! :cool shake:

No replies yet so I thought id post this.... from what I know.

Any computer can have Skype
you can be with Any ISP
Obviously for skype to Skype on the computer you would both need to download skype but you can Phone a land line using "Skype out"
Sorry not too clued up on the subject.
Maybe you will find some answers HERE

Hi
I'm absolutely clueless about computers BUT as I do use skype a lot to phone the UK I think you have to have broadband - not sure though.
It's a fantastic service as you can link up a webcam too at the same time which makes it easier for conversations between our son and the grandparents.
Susan

Just spotted your post, I know of skype but never used it myself, I've found that when using the PC best thing is MSN (Microsoft Messenger) I speak with my family most weekends using it.

The beauty of MSN is you can have a video link up with the people in the UK, basically a video call, doesn't cost anything.

Just throw a webcam and headphone with a mic on and your away, very easy setup.

Grant

Some broadband ISP's block/throttle Skype as it is a P2P app. I think Virgin are the only ones who do it in Aus.

Yes whoever you want to make contact with also need skype loaded on their pc but this is a very easy download (only takes 15 mins to set up). You will need a broadband connection. I have heard it can struggle on windows vista but as far as I am aware you can use on most ISP. We use it all the time on Adam Internet and our friends use Telstra Bigpond.

SKYPE is far better, all bench testing proves it, than MSN, some won't believe it so I won't argue.

I totally agree, SKYPE is far better than Messenger. Called my dad on MSN (I have broadband) the other day and I could hear him fine, but he couldn't get me properly, it was as if it was an interupted line and wasn't getting every word I was saying. Switched over to Skype and it was as clear as a bell. We use the webcam most times too.

I get free local calls with my landline, but if I'm calling std or to the UK, then I use Skype. You get a much cheaper rate than anything else I've come across and if you call someone else who also uses Skype, then its totally free (no matter where in the world they are).

Calls to the UK are less than something like 2c per min if you call a landline.

Check out www.skype.com for info.

We had been using Skype on dial-up for the last 6 months, till we got our broadband connection, it worked - not brilliantly (sometimes sounded like a dalek or the connection was dropped), but still preferable than using the landline.

STEPH

Skype is one of the more popular solutions.... unfortunatly it uses a proprietry protocol rather than SIP.... which would make to more conpatable with other applications.

Here is a good site:

http://www.tech-faq.com/voip-software.shtml

Doug

I am on Skype

Lynn xx

You can get a skype mobile on three now so no need for a pc. Fring can allow skype out from a 3G mobile. Personally I use truphone for free calling to Uk landlines from my mobile with better quality than skype.

My name is puddingqueen on skype if anyone wants to find me and have a chat sometime.........providing I am on. :sign60: :sign61:

Lynn x :happy45:

Hi,

We use both skype and also something called sightspeed. We use Broadband with bigpond and got a great deal for half price for 12 months unlimited use etc.
We have use skype with a camera and microphone which works well but to be honest sightspeed is a whole better at the uk end and so we are now using this more. ( you can have both on your computer so it is not an issue).

I actually see my brother more now we are here using sightspeed than we did in the uk! Rather ironic considering!