Skype is pretty much the standard - mainly because it is owned by Microsoft, and it gets included in a number of the Microsoft "packaged solutions" - so you may well have it on your computer already. It is reasonably straight-forward to use and it is free !
So have I already got Skype ?
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Have a look around your computer desktop - if you see the logo (left), then you have it. If you cannot immediately see it, click on the "Search" magnifying glass in the bottom left of your screen and type "Skype" - it will search everything.
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Be warned though - if you see the logo (right), then this is "Skype for business users" and it will only talk to other people within a business that has the system. You cannot use it to talk to normal Skype users.
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I cannot find it on my computer
Key thing is "don't panic" - you can easily install a copy. To do this - click on the button on the left. A new window will open with the Skype homepage shown, you can click back to this page by selecting the tab at the top of the browser called "VC-Skype".
Click on the "Get Skype for Windows" button. A small window will pop-up at the bottom of the browser as below. Click on the "Run" button.
At this point you might get a scary looking message "Do you want to allow this app to make changes on your device ?" Click "Yes"
You will then be presented with the install process box - click on the "Install" button. The system will then get on configuring it for you.
Once complete - it will start automatically (if it doesn't do this - then start it up by clicking on the Skype logo on your desktop).
Once complete - it will start automatically (if it doesn't do this - then start it up by clicking on the Skype logo on your desktop).
Let's try to sign in to Skype
To use Skype - you need an ID and password. You also might need a mobile phone number (for reasons I will explain).
If you already have an ID/Password registered with microsoft, you can use that. Otherwise - you need to click on the "Create one!" link in the box shown on the left here.
I am not planning to walk through all the steps for setting up a Skype account - just follow the prompts. Just remember that the "User Name" you pick will need to be shared with the people you wish to video conference with (it's like your phone number) - so don't choose anything embarrassing !
It will ask for your mobile phone number - this is used for additional security. So when you login in future, make sure you have your mobile phone to hand as during the login it will send you an immediate message containing a PIN number - you need to type this in after putting in your password.
If you already have an ID/Password registered with microsoft, you can use that. Otherwise - you need to click on the "Create one!" link in the box shown on the left here.
I am not planning to walk through all the steps for setting up a Skype account - just follow the prompts. Just remember that the "User Name" you pick will need to be shared with the people you wish to video conference with (it's like your phone number) - so don't choose anything embarrassing !
It will ask for your mobile phone number - this is used for additional security. So when you login in future, make sure you have your mobile phone to hand as during the login it will send you an immediate message containing a PIN number - you need to type this in after putting in your password.
So now you are in Skype - let's make a call
To make a call - you need to know someone's "Skype Name". Once you have that - type it into the box next to the magnifying glass and press the "Enter" key. It should show you the name if it's found it and you typed it correctly !
Click on the Skype Name
You then have the option of doing a Video or Voice only call - by clicking on either of the icons in the top right of the Skype window (shown below).
Note - you need to ensure the person you are calling is signed into Skype, or the system will alert you when you try to call them. You can tell if they are signed in and available by a little green (or yellow) circle on the bottom right of their picture (or initials).
Click on either of these to start the call
Testing testing
Skype provide a Skype Name - for a robot you can call. This will test if you are set-up correctly. To use this - find the Skype Name "Echo / Sound Test Service" and click on it. The friendly robot will then give you instructions.
Ending the call
During any call - you will get a box like this come up. This one is a voice-only call, but a video call would show the video feed in the middle of it.
You get a set of 4 key buttons at the bottom (there are actually 7 buttons - but I am only dealing with the ones in blue and red). From left to right:
You get a set of 4 key buttons at the bottom (there are actually 7 buttons - but I am only dealing with the ones in blue and red). From left to right:
- Stop/Start sending your video feed
- Mute/Unmute your microphone
- Share something on your computer screen
- End the call