 - Skype is an IP telephony service provider that offers free calling between computers and low-cost calling to regular telephones that aren't connected to the Internet. Included in the free service is a softphone application that can be downloaded to any laptop or desktop computer, or other computing device running Windows, Macintosh, Linux, or Windows Mobile operating systems. A function called SkypeOut enables calls to regular telephones; these calls are charged to a prepaid account or to a flat-fee annual subscription.
Skype's benefits, beyond the free and low-cost calls, are said to include easy set-up and good audio quality. After downloading and registering the software, you just plug in a headset, a specialized VoIP phone, or a regular phone (via an analog telephone adapter). You add contacts similarly to the way you do for instant messaging and then, to make a call, just click the icon next to the contact. File transfers (typically up to four gigabytes), videoconferencing and chat options are also available.
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07 Mar 2008
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