What do you want to know?

Skype is a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) program that allows you to make free calls to any other skype user anywhere in the world and calls at low rates to land line phones. Voice quality is usually very good, although sometimes there's a bit of a "Max Headroom" effect if your internet connection isn't really good or if you have too much running on your PC. It also sometimes has problems when you try to press keys for things like IVR and conference calling.

First question -- (and thanks for answering, btw)

Will it work with cable internet?

Entering skype into the search engine located on the bottom of the forum's homepage will report several threads that have been previously discussed. Hopefully one of them may have the information you require.

DA

My DGD just put me on Skype and I was amazed how clear it is. Of course, she is the only one I have talked to, but she called her mom and dad all the time on it while she spent a semester in Spain.

1. I have put a search on and did not find that much. (especially that which I undertood)
2. So if anyone knows the answer to my first question, I'd appreciate it. If I connect it to my computer, will cable fast access support it?

It should work fine with cable. It should work fine with any kind of high speed access and would only have problems on dial up.

It works great with cable. It works great - period.

You can talk in real time with excellent sound quality computer to computer, you can send files and photos while you talk to each other. You can write a short note which will be delivered the next time the recipient logs on.

You can call any cell or land line phone in most places in the world for a modest fee. The fee is 10 Euros which equal $14 to $16 and gives you 10 hours of calling time. much like cell phones the money is good for 180 days but is added to new credits if you buy again.

For best rtesults you need a headset, this is because if you use the old desktop mike with the speakers set back it causes lousy feedback and is useless. Mine is set so I talk into the headset but the sound is from my speakers so both my wife and I can hear the other person. Should my wife be watching the idiot box I simply plug the earphone plug in to stop the sound reaching the speakers.

It is very useful when fixing a computer, with my sister in Scotland I take control of her computer while talking and explaining what I am doing. That adds a measure of comfort to nervous folks, haha.

The webcam can be good but if I am here at 7a.m. in my dressing gown family members in the UK where they are 5 hours ahead of us think it is hilarious. Webcams are good for grand kids to see the grand parents and visa versa.

Go for it, at the very worst you can soon remove it if you are unhappy - but you will not be dissatisfied I am sure

When you create your identity avoid using your full real name, your cindiw2 as a 'handle' will work, and Cindi W or whatever where the name is called for. This way you are not giving out information to those who should not get it. Same with the rest of the form, don't include your address or other personal info that can help identify you, I simply use 'near Niagara Falls, Canada'

Once you are set up you can click Tools, then Options to set some of your personal preferences.

I second Owbist's comment about the headset. If you try using the built in mic and speaker, you'll get a lot of echoing and it becomes very disconcerting. Especially if you've got two people using Skype and both are using the PC mic and speaker.

There are also USB devices that allow you to plug in regular phones and there are phones that are designed to be used with Skype so they have buttons to get your list of names etc. I have a USB device that lets me use a DECT phone (cordless but on a different frequency from most) so I'm not tethered to the PC while using Skype.

you know, I really appreciate your answers. Right now I am inclined to start Skype connected to my computer -- problem is, though, that I need to find an economical stand-alone ISP.