Your overall appreciation of Skype
Skype is an extremely versatile application, offering not only a fun VoIP service for free PC-to-PC calls, but a cool IM client, too. I am highly impressed with the number of Skype services that are available, from Skype to Go phone numbers (at a discount!), to SkypeOut calls to phones.
What Do You Use Skype For?
I use Skype for business and pleasure. In addition to purchasing my own Skype to Go phone number, so people can call me on my PC, I love the voicemail service which records calls when I am away.
In the evenings, I use Skype to see friends face-to-face over webcam from down the street and around the world.
I have also used Skype for conference calls, which helps reduce costs on services like Go2Meeting.
How Do You Use It?
I use every Skype service to keep in touch, including PC-phone capabilities, calls to cell phones and landlines, and for webcam chat with friends and family. I also love Skype IM, which offers a ton of cool emoticon choices.
Lessons Learned
- Want to avoid spam IMs? Put your Skype availability to "Invisible" to hide yourself from those who wish to spam you via IM. It really helps reduce contact from pornographers and other weirdos.
- Use a headset microphone on Skype to help avoid echos and feedback noises when talking to friends and family. It really helps increase call quality.
- Is your webcam video slow on Skype? Try signing out of the application, or restart your computer and sign back in. If your computer has been on for awhile, or you have a slower/older computer, this can affect your Skype quality.
