Skype.com

[Dan_]

Hi Everyone,

This may be old news to many but thought I'd post a heads up for the Voip program offered from www.skype.com (http://www.skype.com) . I started using it a few days ago and the voice quality is excellent for a free program. It's very similar to MSN however your can make voice calls. I've used it both nationally and internationally and it appears to work better the greater the distance between users.

May help reduce some STD call rates for some.

I have no connection to Skype apart from being a user.

[RichKid]

Hi Everyone,

This may be old news to many but thought I'd post a heads up for the Voip program offered from www.skype.com (http://www.skype.com) . I started using it a few days ago and the voice quality is excellent for a free program. It's very similar to MSN however your can make voice calls. I've used it both nationally and internationally and it appears to work better the greater the distance between users.

May help reduce some STD call rates for some.

I have no connection to Skype apart from being a user.

Hi Dan,
I've downloaded skype too and it looks great but I have had trouble getting people at the other end to do the same. Do you have to buy a separate headset with mike or do you just use the speakers on your computer and the small mike that normally comes with most computers?

[Dan_]

Hi Richkid,

I currently use a web cam with built in mic & the normal computer speakers. I've also used in on a laptop with the speakers & mic built it so as a suggestion look under options and change the defaults to select your actual equipment.

Let me know if you manage to get it clear for calling within Australia I’m still playing around with it.

Also thanks for the response to my PM. Greatly appreciated.

[RichKid]

Hi Richkid,

I currently use a web cam with built in mic & the normal computer speakers. I've also used in on a laptop with the speakers & mic built it so as a suggestion look under options and change the defaults to select your actual equipment.

Let me know if you manage to get it clear for calling within Australia I’m still playing around with it.

Also thanks for the response to my PM. Greatly appreciated.

Thanks Dan, looks like it is completely free since no other equipment is needed, I'll have to get around to it again soon. I'm sure Telstra doesn't like skype at all!!

[canny]

I've downloaded it too - mainly for written chats, as I've got to buy a small mike - my pro one doesn't work on the computer.
The friend who suggested it talks to his family in France and Portugal almost daily for 3c a minute. Aussie 'talking' is free.
I'm just using it like the old ICQ - but am technologically slow!

[RichKid]

The friend who suggested it talks to his family in France and Portugal almost daily for 3c a minute. Aussie 'talking' is free.

Canny, I thought it's 100% free internationally too, don't you just need to have both users on skype?

[Prospector]

Thought I would see if any forumites are using Skype. I have managed to get it working on my laptop and will use it to speak with my partner while overseas - have also configured the webcam with it. Remember back in the old days - The Jetsons - now alive and well!

[Joe Blow]

Also, those using Skype may like to know that you can now enter your skype username in the Instant Messaging section of your profile (http://www.aussiestockforums.com/forums/profile.php?do=editprofile) should you wish to be contactable this way.

[karmatik]

Hi

I have been using Skype for quite some time now and find it great. I have a USB phone connected both to the PC and the landline. I make all outgoing calls through the PC and take incoming calls through the landline. I pay line rental only.

You can get the USB phones on Ebay pretty cheap. Apparently the newer ones dont even need the PC on, you just call direct through the broadband connection. If you do consider buying one, be carefull as some are suited only to particular VOIP services, this should be stated in the specifications.

Skype to Skype is 100% free. Calls to local and nearly all international landlines are 2.7c/minute. Calls to Oz mobile are 27c/minute, which apparently will apply to international mobiles soon too. There is a minimum call cost but cant remember how much it is, 8c or something.

Couldnt recommend it more, just be sure that your broadband is quick enough. A Skype call is actually a download also so it willl impact on your usage. I think a 10 min call uses 1MB as a guide. I have tried it on wireless broadband with mixed results. To be honest I wouldnt bother with Oz paid VOIP services, give Skype a try first and see what you think

Hope this helps.

Pat

[wabbit]

I concur.


wabbit :D

[Prospector]

I have now used it at home (just to test it was working) and it was great, especially that add on that lets you write each others documents. But then my partner went to work and they access broadband through the server, and it was terrible transmission. Is the server the issue?

[karmatik]

I have now used it at home (just to test it was working) and it was great, especially that add on that lets you write each others documents. But then my partner went to work and they access broadband through the server, and it was terrible transmission. Is the server the issue?

Not sure about that, its all to do with download/upload speeds so if many people, such an office environment, are using broadband then it may slow things up. Im sure the computer experts here would know. Did you use the smae device to make the call at home and at work i.e. headset, USB phone?

[Prospector]

Hi Karmatik
We both use a laptop so the same devices are used home and at work (ie the inbuilt ones). At work we do know now that Telstra was working on the exchange; because not everyone was affected they decided they didnt need to tell anyone :banghead: It is in a commercial area but I guess they thought we didnt matter, but for several days now the IT guy has had to change the 'something' :o code to receive broadband. So maybe it was something to do with that.

[karmatik]

Hi Karmatik
We both use a laptop so the same devices are used home and at work (ie the inbuilt ones). At work we do know now that Telstra was working on the exchange; because not everyone was affected they decided they didnt need to tell anyone :banghead: It is in a commercial area but I guess they thought we didnt matter, but for several days now the IT guy has had to change the 'something' :o code to receive broadband. So maybe it was something to do with that.

Oh, who knows with these morons at Telstra! Im not an expert with Skype, just use it regularly as Im from Ireland and its a great way to keep in contact with folks there. However, if the only thing changed with use at home/work is broadband them I assume it has to be the broadband speed that is affecting the call quality, all else being equal.

[BlingBling]

I've been using Skype for a few years now & love it!
I use a wireless headset which works really well. Only thing I can recommend to watch out for is bad feedback. If the person you are talking to is using their PC speakers to hear you rather than headphones (any kind) you'll hear everything you say to them in echo! Really annoying.

The Video link is great, I use it to get the kids to talk to my family (we're in Japan ATM) and it's also saved me over $100 or more a month, which means more $$$ for you know what!

[finnsk]

What is minimum internet speed? and does the computer have to be on?

[wabbit]

To send/receive files and text chat in real time, all you need is a dialup account. For voice you need a broadband account, 256KB would be the minimum(?) but the higher the bandwidth the better the quality. For video, you need at least a 1000KB connection for any sort of decent quality.

SkyPE is more than just voice, and has a much more grown up and business like interface for text chat than does say MSN messenger, Trillian etc which are all aimed at teenage girls, with pretty flowers and smilies etc. Using SkyPE even for the basics 'looks' better.

As for the computer being on, if you haven't purchased SkyPE credits and set up the official answering machine/message service, you will not receive calls if your computer is switched off. Your prospective caller will see that you aren't online and will not be able to call you. You can set up for free call-forwarding so that if you aren't online or your are busy that your calls get diverted to another SkyPE account, whether you are online or offline. If you are online, you get a free answering machine service to deal with calls whilst you are busy with other things etc.

If you are offline, other SkyPE users can leave a text message for you to receive the next time you come online, which is very handy!



Hope this helps.

wabbit :D

[karmatik]

What is minimum internet speed? and does the computer have to be on?

I did mention above that USB phones are now available that can be directly plugged into the broadbdand line without needing the computer on. Not sure how it all works though.