Skype
Peer to Peer Internet Telephony
(P2P VOIP)
What is Skype?
Software and services to allow your
computer to act as a Communications
Tool
It is Free, easy to use
It is Cross-Platform
It is free of Adware, Spyware, Malware
It is secure
Skype Features
Free Computer to Computer calls
Voice and Video
Low Cost (2.4 C/Min) Computer-to-Phone
calls
Need “Skypeout” Account ($10 in calls)
Cross Platform (Mac, PC, Linux, Pkt PC)
Voice and Video-conferencing
File transfer, SMS, Instant Messaging
Very Strong Encription (Secure C2C)
Mac Skype History
2001-3:Founded by Niklas Zennstrom
and Janus Friis (Kazaa fame)
August 2004 First Beta Version for OS X
Oct 2005: Ebay buys Skype
Dec 2006 Mac Version 2.0 with Video
June 2007: 220 Million User Accounts
Aug 16 2007: First system-wide crash
Server vs P2P Technology
Server P2P
Skype P to P Technology
Sheppard
System Requirements
Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4, 10.5
High end G3, G4, G5, Core Duo
Broadband connection
Mike and Speakers (built-in) or Headset
(Plantronics)
iSight for video or built-in
Performance improves with processor
and internet speed
Getting Started in Skype
Download latest Mac OS X Version from
Skype.com, Drag Disc image to Apps Folder
Register and create a skype Account
Purchase $10 Skypeout time online
Add contacts (Skype names or Phone
numbers
Include test name “echo123” in contacts
While connected to the internet, test set-up
by clicking on echo123
Creating a Skype Account
Click Accounts/Creat Account
Choose Skype name & Password (LBB)
Enter Valid email address
Fill in Personal profile
Click Apply
NB: Email address not in public profile
Skype Profile
Public Persona
Skype Name, Gender
Real name, Location (country, city)
Language,Home page, About me
Details Contacts See
Photo, Timezone, Number of Contacts
Private
Email address
Skype User Interface
ACTION BUTTONS
Add Contact, Start Conference, Send File, SMS,
Chat, Search List
CONTACTS LIST
Status, $ In Acct, Contacts
PHONE DIALER, Users Online
Dial Ordinary Numbers
General Procedure: Select name/Select Action
Adding Contacts
Click “Add” icon,
Type Skype name (or click Search)
Authorization request sent to contact
Type phone number in Intl format
|+| |country code||area code||local phone
number|
US Example: + 1 302 774 5753
Spain Example: + 349 6 130 1250
(No spaces needed)
Customizing Skype
General:
Launch at login, Start call on double click
Privacy Settings: Only My contacts can call
Audio: Mic and Speaker settings
Calls: Forward to land line
SMS: Your Cell Phone for replies
Video: Test your Video
Advanced: Misc settings
Skype Test Call
Double click echo123 in contacts
(Somewhere in Europe)
Speak at normal voice when asked
Wait for playback
Adjust sound input and output via System
Prefs as necessary
Check video in Skype/Prefs/Video
Skype to Skype
Communications
Contact must be online and available
(green Icon)
Double click name to establish link
Contact receives audio call and clickable
accept or decline icon on Mac
Audio communication established when
contact accepts call
Video seen if videocam turned on
Audio Conferencing
Can have max of 9 Contacts + Host
online
Click Conference Icon
Select names, click add
Click Start
Contacts may be anywhere, on computer
or phone
Chat and File Transfer
Can mix Chat (instant Messaging) &
Audio
To Chat:
Select Contact, Click “Chat” Icon and type
message
To transfer file:
Select Contact, Click “send file” icon
Or drag & drop file into chat window
Additional Skype Services($)
SkypeOut (Computer to Phone)
Skypein (Local phone number to
computer)
Voicemail (leave Voice message on
computer)
SMS Messaging (Text to cell phone)
Call Forwarding to Phone (Auto setting)
The Skype Environment
Instant Link to Personal Community via
Online Status Icon
Sense of Presence in Room
Effect of Time and Distance changed
Location not important
Multiple Communication Modes
Talk, video, IM, SMS, File Transfer
References
Skype.com, forum.skype.com
Mac OS X
Skype-The Definitive Guide
Harry Max and ray Taylor
Skype Hacks
Andrew Sheppard