In our previous post ,“Skype: Free Video Calling,” we provided an overview of Skype, an internet-based service that allows free audio and video communication. In this post we will step you through the installation process for Skype on a PC running Windows XP. Stay tuned for future posts where we plan to describe how to use Skype.
Your PC, with built-in speakers and microphone OR with a headset plugged in.
(Optional) A video camera, either built-in or attached to your PC.
These instructions. Print them out if possible, to make it easier to follow them as you perform the steps.
Using your browser, navigate to www.skype.com.
In the window, place your mouse cursor over the words “Get Skype.” A set of choices will appear.
Click “Download Now.” Skype will begin downloading installation software to your computer immediately, and you should see the message “Your download is now in progress” on your screen.
Click “Run” to enable the Skype Setup installer to do its job.
Again, click “Run” to allow the installer to run.
Now the Skype Installer will display the following screen.
Click the option “I agree – install,” and the installation will begin.
Click “Start Skype,” and the Welcome screen will appear.
A Skype name is like a telephone number: it’s your “address” in the Skype system. Your friends can look up your Skype name by searching for you in the Skype directory, or you can let them know it via email or phone. Once they have it, they can contact you over Skype.
In the next few steps, you’ll choose your Skype name.
When you have filled out all the fields, click the box labeled “I agree – create account” (at the bottom of the screen).
If the name you have chosen as your Skype name is already being used by someone else, Skype will display a message that the name is not available. It will also give you a set of alternative names. Choose one of those, or create another one of your own invention.
If you are using Skype on a laptop computer, the computer probably has a built-in microphone and speakers, but you may prefer to use a headset for better quality audio reception.
If you plan to use a headset, make sure it is connected to your computer before proceeding.
Most headsets typically have two connectors—one for the microphone and one for the headphones. The microphone and headphone connectors are typically color-coded: pink for the microphone, green for the headphones. Connect each to the corresponding port on your computer.
Click the box labeled “Skype Test Call,” to ensure that your audio is working correctly. If it is, you will hear a ringing sound from your computer’s speakers, and you will have a chance to record a message. Skype will then play back your message to you, so that you can verify that both your speakers and your microphone are working correctly.
If you have a video camera, either built-in or attached to your computer, click the button labeled “See my video.” If all is correctly configured, Skype will display a window showing whatever your video camera is currently pointing at.
That’s it! If the last two steps worked, you are ready to begin using Skype. The next thing to do is to use the Skype Directory to find the Skype addresses of your friends, so that you can add them to your Contact list. In the next post we will describe how to find friends and start and end phone calls.
The above instructions were specifically for the operating system that most of our readers use: Windows XP. Other versions of Windows, and other Operating Systems, may differ a little, but all will follow a sequence very like this one. If you need instructions for installing Skype on another type of computer or operating system, let us know in the comments below!