Skype

What is Skype?
[|Skype] is a form of [|VoIP] (Voice-over-Internet Protocol). VoIP allows for voice transmission over the Internet; essentially, Internet phone calls. With Skype, both audio and audio/video calls can be made around the world to other Skype users **for free**. You can also text chat in realtime (like Instant Messenger, [|conduct conference calls], and even do fun stuff like play chess and share a whiteboard.

How Do I Get It?

 * 1) Download and install the program at Skype's [|download page] (you'll have to do this from off-campus due to HCRHS's firewall, and Skype will only run on PCs running Windows 2000, XP, or Vista)
 * 2) Double-click the Skype icon on your desktop to install. Follow the on-screen directions to install Skype and create your account username and password.
 * 3) Open Skype from your desktop, Quick Launch menu, or system tray.
 * 4) Under the "Contacts" tab, use the Search function to find family members, friends, or colleagues who have Skype accounts. You can search by real name, Skype username, or e-mail address (feel free to add me; my Skype name is **damianbariexca**).

How Do I Use It?
Open Skype and select the "Contacts" tab:



Double-click on a contact's name. You will see a green button (call) and a blue button (chat):



To make a call, click the green button. To end a call, click the red button. Once you're connected, you'll have the option to activate video. It is not necessary to do this, and both parties must have working webcams in order for two-way video chat to take place. If only one party has a camera, that video footage will be broadcast, but that person will see nothing coming from the other caller.

To access extra features like the aforementioned games, whiteboard, and other potentially useful applications, select the following menu options: From here, you can browse extras by category (e.g., Productivity, Games, etc.). Most extras appear to be free, but some do cost money. Please know what you're installing before you install it.
 * Tools > Do More > Get Extras**

If This Is Free, Why Are They Selling Rate Packages?
Like many Internet-based services, Skype offers a basic access package for free and allows users to pay to access more features. Here's a quick (read: incomplete) guide to what's free and what's not on Skype. Skype sells a variety of headsets, webcams, handsets, and mobile phones that work off the Skype network. Some folks find them invaluable for communicating while traveling, especially abroad, but they are not a prerequisite to using any of Skype's free features.
 * ~ FREE ||~ NOT FREE ||
 * < Skype-to-Skype voice calls (worldwide) ||< Skype calls to landlines ||
 * < Skype-to-Skype video calls (wordlwide) ||< Skype calls to mobile phones ||
 * < "IM"-style online chats ||< Receiving calls from landlines & mobiles ||
 * < Group chats ||< Sending SMS (text messages) ||
 * < Conference calls ||< Voicemail & call forwarding to non-Skype phones ||

Your Assignment

 * Download & install Skype and set up an account (you should have done this yesterday!)
 * Group up by 3s or 4s.
 * Have group members spread out to different rooms/parts of campus and try to accomplish each of the following tasks from a distance:
 * 1) Call one another using Skype on your laptops (all HCRHS tablets have built-in microphones). Brownie points if you use video!
 * 2) Create a conference call in which all members of your group are involved.
 * 3) While in calls (either 1:1 or conference), use the chat feature to send links to websites
 * 4) Use Skype to collaboratively edit/annotate a document of your choosing.

After you have completed all these tasks, figure out the maximum number of people that can be involved in a conference call, and use Skype to contact all members of the class to get them involved in a mega-conference call (**hint:** the max is lower than the number of people we have in the class, so once you've reached the max, please have some folks disconnect so others can get in).