Video Conferencing with Skype

Introduction
System Requirements
Installing
Accounts
Creating a Contact List
Placing a Call
Editing Your Profile
Instant Messaging and File Transfer
Configuring Video Options
Getting Help

Introduction

Skype is a popular VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) application that allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet to anyone else who has the software. It also allows conference calls with up to 5 Skype users, file transfers, and chat (instant messaging). Skype creates a peer-to-peer network which means it is computer to computer - there are no centralized servers or switches in between.

Skype also allows you to call regular telephones and to have regular telephones call you on Skype. However the quality of Skype-to-PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) calls are often below acceptable standards.

System Requirements

Windows (Skype 3.0 for Win)

• PC running on Windows XP or 2000
• Minimum 400 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM, 15 MB free disk space
• Internet connection (Broadband recommended)
• Speakers and microphone
• For video calls, 1 GHz processor, 256 MB RAM, and webcam
  
  

Macintosh (Skype 2.0 for Mac)

• Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
• Minimum G4 800 MHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 40 MB free disk space
• Internet connection (Broadband recommended)
• Speakers and microphone
• Webcam (i.e., iSight)
  
  

Installing

To use Skype you need to download and install software on your computer.

To obtain Skype software:

• Go to www.skype.com
• Click Download Skype
• Click Dowload Now button.
  
  

Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the software.

Accounts

To use Skype, you also need to obtain a free Skype account.

To obtain a Skype account:

• Double-click the Skype icon to start the program.
• Click Accept to agree to the terms of software license.
• In Welcome to Skype window, click on Don't have a Skype Name link.
• In Create a New Account, enter your name, password, and email address.
• Click Accept to agree to the terms of user license.
• Repeat until a unique Skype name is found and accepted.
  
  

When you have obtained a unique Skype name and password, a window will appear prompting you to enter information in your profile. When you're done editing your profile, click Apply. Once this is done you can then place and receive calls.

Creating a Contact List

Before you start a video call you will need to add the other parties to your contact list.

To add a contact:

• Open Skype.
• Click the Add button (or select Add a Contact under Contacts on the menu bar).
• Enter their Skype name, full name, or email address and click Find.
• Find the person in the list and click the Add Skype Contact button (if you're not sure, view their profile).
• Skype will ask for their permission before adding them to your list (type a personal message so they know who you are).
• If the person accepts, they will be added to your contact list.
  
  

Calling

Placing a Call

To place a call, click on the entry on your contact list, and then click the green phone icon. If your video does not stream right away, click the Start my Video button.

Receiving a Call

If you do not already have an open chat window with the caller, one will open. A request will appear in your chat window, click the green phone icon.

Ending a Call

To end a call, click the red phone icon.

Conference calling

To start a conference:

• Under Call on menu bar select Start Conference Call
  
  

Editing Your Profile

To edit your profile:

• For Macs - Under the Accounts menu, go to Edit Profile
• For PCs - Under the File menu, go to Edit Your Profile...
  
  

A blank profile page containing your Skype name should appear allowing you to add whatever information you wish to include. When you've completed your profile click OK.

Instant Messaging and File Transfer

IM (Instant Messaging) is also possible alongside or independent from video and audio conversations. Conversations are displayed through a simple text format. Through IM, any kind of file can be quickly transferred to another user by simply dragging and dropping the file into the chat window.

Configuring Video Options

To select a camera to use for Skype video.

For Macintosh:

• Under the Skype menu, go to Preferences
• Click the Video tab
• Select the camera you are using.
  
  

For Windows:

• Under the Tools menu, go to Options...
• Click the Video tab
• Select the camera you are using.
  
  

Getting help

For help using Skype, select Help under the Help menu.