Install Skype on Your Computer

Edited by Pia Marie Villamante, Eng, Lynn

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Skype is a service that allows instant messaging, video chatting and much more. The program was released in August 2003 and was developed by Microsoft Skype Division. Skype permits users to contact other users by using a microphone, webcam, and instant messaging over the internet. Skype became trendy because of its well-loved features, like video conferencing and file transfers. Read on to learn more about Skype, its features and how to install it on your computer.

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Different Versions of Skype

Here are some of the different versions of Skype:

  • Skype 6.9.0.106 - this is their latest version and is supported by Windows Vista, Windows XP, XP x64.
  • Skype 6.3.0.107
  • Skype 6.3.0.105
  • Skype 6.0.0.120
  • Skype 5.11.0.102
  • Skype 5.10.0.116
  • Skype 5.10.0.115

Different Skype Features

  1. 1
    Calls
     
    1. Group Calls - You can have a group or set of people all together on one call and you can add up to 25 people.
    2. Skype to Skype calls - You could call someone who is also logged into Skype for free.
    3. Skype to go - You may call numbers internationally from any cellphone for small fees.
    4. Caller ID - Skype has caller ID, which lets other people know you are the one calling.
    5. Forward calls - You may forward your calls to your phones when you are not logged into Skype.
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  2. 2
    Messages
     
    1. Instant messages (I'm)
    2. Send and receive text messages (SMS) - You may contact your friends through Skype texts.
    3. Voice messages - Skype offers voice messaging for you.
    4. Video messages - You may send a video message as well.
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  3. 3
    Share
     
    1. Mail files - You may send pictures, videos or files of different sizes.
    2. Send contact - You may share your name, number and contacts readily.
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Additional Features

  1. 1
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    Skype WiFi
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  • 2
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    Skype buttons
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  • 3
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    Skype connect
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  • 4
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    Skype manager
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  • 5
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    Skype to Facebook
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  • 6
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    Skype for Outlook.com
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  • Things You'll Need

    • Internet connection
    • Webcam
    • Microphone and speakers

    Downloading and Installing Skype

    1. 1
      The first step is to go to www.skype.com to open the homepage
      .
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    2. 2
      Select the "Download" button to open the download page
      .
      This will start the program downloading in your computer.
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    3. 3
      Save the file on your desktop to make it easy to remember.
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    4. 4
      Double-click on the Skype setup, or if you have the "Run" option, click that to start installing
      .
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    5. 5
      When the program launches, choose a specific language for you to start
      .
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    6. 6
      Click on "I agree - install".
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    Installing Skype on Windows 8

    1. 1
      First you'll have to click on the store tile from the start screen
      .
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    2. 2
      Launch the charms bar and key in "Skype" to the search bar
      .
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    3. 3
      Choose the "Store" button to open the store.
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    4. 4
      Click on the Skype application
      .
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    5. 5
      Then install it
      .
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    6. 6
      You will notice that the upper right corner of your screen says "Installing Skype".
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    7. 7
      Once done, close the store and you'll notice a Skype program on your start screen.
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    8. 8
      Hit on the "Allow" button to give Skype permission to use your microphone and webcam
      .
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    9. 9
      You're now prepared to use the Skype application.
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    If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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    Article Info

    Categories : Application

    Recent edits by: Eng, Pia Marie Villamante

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