Skype Review: VoIP Review

VoIP Review about Skype VoIP

Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis created Skype in 2003. Available in 28 languages and used in almost every country around the world, this little piece of technology can connect anyone with a computer to another person — no matter if that other person uses Skype, a landline or a mobile phone. Skype users also can generate voicemail and call forwarding. Located in Luxembourg, Skype has relationships with a growing network of hardware and software providers. Skype is an eBay company.

Installation and Interface
Skype is free to download from the Web site, create a user name, make sure your microphone and speakers are working, and dial away. The user interface is similar to a cell phone, so it’s easy to understand and intuitive. Skype users also can call and take calls for free on Skype from any WiFi zone. Additionally, users no longer need a computer to make free calls on Skype if they use the 3 Skypephone instead. This product is a mobile phone that calls, texts and takes pictures like you’d expect it to, and you can call and instant message your friends on Skype, free.

Features
One of the nicest features about this product is the free Skype-to-Skype phone calls. All other calls, including local, long distance and international calls to phones and cell phones, are charged a nominal fee. Users can send video, download video, send and receive text messages, and use Skype for call forwarding.

Consumers can purchase Skype and Skype features two ways – either through the Skype Pro Package that is jam-packed with everything you need to get the very best out of Skype for one low monthly fee, or through Skype credit, where a user can prepay for low-cost local, long distance and international calls.

Other features include a Firefox extension, public chats, conference calls, and much more. The Web site is comprehensive, and provides users with the ultimate Skype experience.

Performance
Although Skype is known for high-quality reception, a certain number of requirements enable this quality. Users should have a PC running Windows 2000, XP, or Vista. Windows 2000 users require DirectX 9.0 for video calls. Broadband connections are best for call quality, and GPRS is not supported for voice calls. Results may vary on satellite connections. For voice or video calls, Skype recommends a computer with at least a 1 GHz processor, 256 MB RAM, and a Webcam. All calls need either built-in or separate speakers and a microphone.

For those who want to make high quality video calls, a Webcam and software, a dual-core processor computer, and a fast broadband connection (284 kbps) are needed to maintain quality. Skype offers many of the products needed for quality calls on its Web site.

Although Skype focuses on Windows, Mac OSX and Linux users also can download this computer phone to use with their operating systems.

Service and Support
The Skype Web site contains user guides for all products, a knowledgebase, a trouble-shooter guide and support forums. Skype users also can request help through a ticket system and check online for any announcements.

List of Features Available on Skype
Support: Online Forum/E-mail support
Guarantee: N/A
Residential Plan: Yes
Small Business Plan: Yes
411 Service: Yes
911 Service: No Call Return (*69): N/A
Call Waiting: No
Caller ID: No
Click-to-Call: Yes
Fax Line (FoIP): Yes
International Calling: Yes IP PBX Solution: Yes
Keep Your Number: N/A
PC-to-PC Calling: Yes
PC-to-Phone Calling: Yes
Virtual Phone Numbers: Yes