What's not to like about Skype? It's free and ad-free and offers clear VoIP calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world.
Aren't ready to give up your trusted phone line, but still want to make free calls over the Internet? Then give Skype a try -- a peer-to-peer program from the makers of Kazaa that lets you talk to other Skype users using VoIP. It couldn't be easier to use, the calls are clear and the best part is, it's free.
The software is as easy to use as any instant messenger and lets you make free calls over the Internet using your desktop, notebook or handheld. All you need is a USB headset (or a microphone and speakers) to make and receive calls. You'll also need to get your friends to download Skype; like an instant messenger, calls can be made only between Skype users. The software is so easy to set up and use, however, that you shouldn't have a hard time selling them on Skype. Unlike FreeWorld Dialup, Skype is an integrated solution that combines service and software, resulting in unparalleled ease of use.
After a quick download (the software is currently a beta version), you'll soon discover that Skype looks more like an IM client than a softphone. You sign up with a username rather than a phone number. There's no number pad; instead, you dial other Skype users by searching for their username or by clicking a name on a list of contacts. There's even an IM option, should you prefer typing to talking, and a conference-call function that lets you converse with up to four other people at once. A separate download, PocketSkype, gives a Pocket PC-based, Wi-Fi-enabled handheld the ability to act as an IM and make calls from any Wi-Fi hot spot.
Call quality was very good in our trials; conversations between ZDNet editors in New York and San Francisco were crystal clear. There was only the slightest evidence of latency, but not nearly enough to interrupt the flow of the conversation. Impressive, too, is the fact that we had no trouble getting through our firewall for calls to Skype users outside our corporate network. Considering that the software is free, we were also surprised to find that it's ad-free.
There is currently no support for Macs, but that hasn't stopped more than 15 million people from signing up for Skype. If you constantly find yourself sending instant messages or you'd just like to cut down on your long-distance bill, especially for international calls, be sure to check out Skype.
Skype
Company: Skype Technologies
Price: Free via download
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G'day,
I've recently uninstalled Skype on my system, and I'm trying to notify other broadband users via letter to Silicon Chip and the Melbourne Apple Users' group. Hopefully this message will invoke some real discussion at ZD.
The gist of my comments are:
- "Always on" broadband connections, when used with Skype, invoke absolutely massive data transfers, even when no Skype voice connection is active.
- The data throughput in my case was over 3GB in less than 48 hours.
- Also, over 600 (that's six hundred) concurrent IP ports were open on my system at the peak (just before I shut down the system and uninstalled Skype)
- The problem is due to the Skype distributed directory service. From what I can gather from some Skype forums (I could get no coherent reply from Skype tech support, despite repeated requests for information and assistance), is that "always on" broadband connections (i.e. the broadband modem is on, and the computer is too) using Skype are targeted by their distributed contacts database for replication. Dialup users, switched broadband users (ADSL, etc), and cable broadband users who disconnect their modems will be targeted also, but since their connections don't last long enough, no replication attempts complete.
This situation is made worse by the sheer number of users, most of whom wish to use the Skype tool, but who aren't aware (or who wish to avoid) the underlying contacts database feature. The problem is, as more users join Skype, the load on the contacts DB just increases.
I do believe that Skype is a great tool, however, it's bloody poorly thought out (not surprisingly, given Skype's pedigree), and the developers' refusal to discuss or inform users as to why and how Skype works, and the reliance on hidden and resource-intensive infrastructure (which I agree is needed to keep such a service "free"), makes Skype a dangerous and expensive option for some users.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss this in more detail, or for more information.
THanks for your time.
Kind regards,
Peter Naus