MacVillage.net File of the Week: Skype
This week’s file of the week is: Skype.
Skype is free computer telephony (telephone) for your computer. That’s right free. You can call anyone else who runs Skype at no charge. For a somewhat low cost, you can also call landline phones using SkypeOut.
Skype initially is an IM application like iChat, AIM, Yahoo IM, or MSN. You still have a buddylist, and the very typical IM type message. What makes Skype unique is unlike those other services, it specialize (defaults) to voice communication. And for those wondering, you can still IM users via Skype.
Skype uses surprisingly little bandwidth, and works behind every Firewall, NAT environment I’ve ever tried. With 0 configurations needed. No ports to open or anything. Just install, and go. Because it uses so little bandwidth, it’s performance is rather good, even when browsing the web. The audio quality is very clear and has almost no noticeable delay. It’s far superior to any other product I’ve tested thus far.
Skype is a P2P (peer to peer) application, like many file sharing networks, allowing it to be very reliable and fast. Your conversations are of course well encrypted to ensure nobody can listen in to anything you say.
Skype provides several screenshots of their application for you to view before you download (see below).
Skype is completely free for computer -> computer conversations and is available for many platforms. Calling landline phones is available for a low fee. The program it self is ad-ware free. How do they make money? Through services such as SkypeOut, selling hardware, and soon voice mail and other add-ons.
This product is very likely going to help revolutionize phone communication as the VoIP movement continues to progress. Thanks to it’s ease of use, great quality, compatibility, and simplicity Skype is an excellent way to cut down on your phone bill.
Product Information
Skype HomepageScreenshots
Download
