What is Skype? - Skype FAQ

Unless you don't make any long-distance or international calls you must have definitely heard of Skype. But do you know what is Skype, how it works and whether you need it or not?

The Skype service started in 2003. This lets to talk to receive messages via text and have video chats. So, all you need is a computer connected to the internet and you can use Skype. To get started, you have install the software from their website and register your user profile. That's just the beginning of course.

When you first open it up and start using it, you will wonder what all the fuss is about. It's like any other chat program you have ever used. The same options of adding friends/contacts, blocking users and sending messages are available in this software too. This is where Skype becomes more than just a chat program. You can talk to other users on Skype for free. So Skype-to-Skype calling doesn't incur any charges. You might be wondering how do they make any money? Will this remain free forever? The answers to both those questions are related. Skype provides such excellent free features that its userbase is in the millions. Once you start using this service and realize how convenient it is, you might start looking for other options to call mobile phones or other devices. You can use something called 'Skype credits' to make such calls. These credits are basically bought in advance by the user and used up on the amount of time spent while talking to someone on a landline or mobile phone. This is what is also called a 'pay as you go' system. If you like the call quality and are considering the credits option we would recommend spending a little and not using automatic payments (at least not in the beginning). Give it a spin and see what you think.

There are other Skype features that you should be aware of:

SkypeIn

This is a cool paid feature using which you can receive calls on a fixed number from users around the globe. The calls will be received on your computer or internet device while you are free to move around. At the time of writing this feature is available in United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Brazil, Finland, Estonia, France, Hong Kong, Germany, Sweden, Poland and Switzerland. You might want to check the Skype website because they update this list from time to time.

SkypeOut

This is a paid feature using which you can make calls to telephones (landlines) and mobile phones at great rates around the globe. The rates are pretty much the same in all countries and are very affordable.

To learn one more cool thing you can do with voice over IP click here.