Skype

[dc]

Not sure if any of you guys use it or even know about it, but Skype is a relatively simple program that works on Mac or PC and allows you to not only Chat like AIM or Yahoo Messenger, but actually talk over IP. You can use it as a long-distance phone, too, and even call a real phone number.

Until the end of the year, calls to cell phones and land lines are free, and then I believe they will get a small charge after that, but all Skype-to-Skype calls will always be free. If you have a vid web camera on your computer, you can actually see who you are talking to, and visa-versa.

There is a form field in your User CP (Control Panel) that allows you to fill in AIM, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, MSN Messenger and Skype screen names to contact other members. Under User CP, click the Edit Profile section of your controls, and then fill in the required fields. A small icon under your screen name will appear...

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...to show if you are online or not, and have those services available.



Pretty neat feature, actually.

[Al Craighead]

As you said Doug, Skype is pretty cool program. I use it both as a chat program for work, as well as calling my folks in the Caribbean. I've been very impressed with the long distance calling, as it's very clear and a lot cheaper than using regular long distance through the phone company.

Cheers,

[Rick Kirchner]

I've not heard of any malicious activity on Skype - A friend and fellow Apexspeed member has been using them as his business phone for a couple of years - but be aware that you are not establishing a point to point connection, you are communicating via the Skype servers in the Netherlands.

Some larger companies with centrally managed IT may have issues with this, so if your IT guy comes around looking to hang somebody you now know why.....

[jgaither]

We use it regularly here at GPG to speak with the software guys in Belgium. Works very well for us.

[jasonwiener]

I use it quite a bit for both work and fun. Last week I picked up SkypeOut which is their outbound calling feature where you only pay if you call someone with a traditional phone outside of the US/Canada. I do a lot of work with people in Europe and at 20cents/min to landline and free to other Skype users, it's definitely the way to go. Not sure if it was worth the $1bil that eBay paid for it, but I definitely love having it.