Skype is a free web service that allows users to make telephone calls over their internet connection at no cost. Learn how you cane benefit from this free web service.

We have integrated the Skype web service with the Knowledge Community user profiles. To take advantage of skype:

• Download Skype: Windows | Mac OS X | Linux | Pocket PC
• Register as a skype user
• Update your KC profile with your Skype username
• Find someone you wish to call on the KC. On their profile under External web services click ’skype me’.

The software is quick and easy to get started with. Download, register, install, plug in your headset, speakers or USB phone and start calling your friends and clleagues. Calls are highly secure with end-to-end encryption.

And it doesn’t just work on Windows. Skype is also for Mac OS X, Linux and PDAs using Pocket PC. Talking, sending instant messages or even file transfers work between different platforms.

I have started using it recently and found it provides excellent sound quality. In additions the instant messaging back channel is really handy particularly if you are making conference calls.

The providers also offer SkypeOut which lets you make calls to old-fashioned phone numbers all around the world. Landlines, mobile phones… it works with almost all of them. SkypeOut is not free but it is pretty cheap.