Helps -- Phone Communications Among Group Members

[Les Squires]

Free Long-Distance Phone Calls and Text Messaging

• Skype turns computers into telephones
• The software is a free download from http://skype.com/download
• All calls from one Skype user to another Skype user are free -- worldwide
• Conference calls of up to 24 people are free -- worldwide
• Users communicate using text messaging for fast collaboration
• Public text chats accommodate up to 100 people
• Text chats make permanent records of online discussions, minutes of meetings
• Skypecast conferences broadcast to 100 computers at a time
• Each computer equipped with a sound system can broadcast to an indefinite number of persons in the same room
• Calls to cell phones and local phones incur small charges (e.g., $.02 per minute India to U.S.)

Installation

• Download the software to your PC from http://skype.com/download
• Follow instructions to set up your account
  
• Go to Tools/Add a contact and invite LSquiresSkype to be your first contact
• Text message or place a call to LSquiresSkype for orientation and tips
• Purchase a cheap headset for best sound quality -- $20 max

How to Use This Help -- It's a discussion. Record below your questions, suggestions, clarifications, and successes. Everybody helps Help! Help helps everybody!

[Admin]

Skype to Skype is free.
Skype to landlines and mobiles (cell phones) uses Skype-out which you buy online.

In South Africa - Skype to a landline is more expensive than landline to landline.
Skype to the UK however is cheaper than a local call. The quality is great.
I have a webcam attached so I can visit with my grandchildren in the UK - it's great.

If you want to get discounts on buying skype-out - sign up for this at Discount Home Shopping Club