Getting a Skype number

[Conchis]

I've never had a Skype conversation before but that is about to change.

I've been asked to provide a Skype number for an interview. As I'm not 100 per cent sure how Skype works and the internet is a maze of information, i was wondering if anyone on here could talk me through the process?

Wil it involve a big financial outlay? I only ask because I don't anticipate making many Skype calls in the future.

Thanks! :)

[Dave2002]

Most Skype calls are free I believe. You just need to get a Skype account, and download the software and install it. There are test features in the application which enable you to test that things work.

There are additional features. If you need to make Skype calls to telephone numbers anywhere there is a SkypeOut feature, which doesn't cost much - typically a top up is about 10 euros, and probably lasts for years - though it does depend how much you use it.

I still use Skype for sending sending SMS messages to mobile phones occasionally, as it's much easier than messing around with texting on a phone.

Lastly, if you really do need a number for someone to contact you on, then I think that SkypeIn is what you want - and again there is probably a charge, but I wouldn't expect it to be much. I don't use Skype much, but occasionally I've used SkypeOut to make calls to overseas telephone numbers, such as to hotels or to friends abroad.

SkypeOut - https://www.skype.com/en/features/ca...s-and-mobiles/
SkypeIn - https://www.skype.com/en/features/online-number/

[MrGongGong]

Skype is free
The quality is variable
BUT all you need to do is to install it on your computer , test it then off you go
I use it all the time to collaborate with folks in other countries and did some interviews with composers via Skype on Monday which all went well

Very simple to use
BUT not always good quality, if the quality is iffy turning off the video usually works

[Stunsworth]

The company I'm working at has replaced all the landlines with Skype across multiple sites in the UK and USA and I have to say it's very good. That will be Skype for business though rather than the consumer version. Making conference calls is a doddle, and there's also the facility to 'share a desktop' if you need to see what's happening on someone else's PC.

The quality is very good - that again may be down to it being the 'professional' version of the product.

[Richard Tarleton]

I've never had a Skype conversation before but that is about to change.

I've been asked to provide a Skype number for an interview. As I'm not 100 per cent sure how Skype works and the internet is a maze of information, i was wondering if anyone on here could talk me through the process?

Wil it involve a big financial outlay? I only ask because I don't anticipate making many Skype calls in the future.

Thanks! :)

I set up Skype on my new computer a few months ago (my new machine has Windows 10 installed) for talking to friends and family. The only financial outlay was the little webcam that sits on top of the screen of my desktop - the Microsoft webcam I opted for cost a little over £20 from Argos. The Skype program took me painlessly through the setup process. You can "search" for people you know you will want to talk to (and who are already on Skype) and send them a message asking to be added to their list. Hopefully they reply in the affirmative. This part too is free. Your camera will take a profile picture of you. Skype to Skype calls are free - since then I've had 2- and 3-way calls with people on 3 continents including with Oz cousins I've never met. A marvellous invention. I've no experience of Skype-to-phone calls.

When you call somebody, or they call you (we find it best to have a prearranged time) the computer makes a ringing noise. You click on, and click on the camera icon to make sure they can see you. If I find it simple, it is.

[Conchis]

Thanks for the help, everyone! :)

I've set it up and now I need to request a call from the person I'll be speaking to. No idea how to go about doing this. I have their Skype address, but how do I go about putting in the call request? Can anyone advise on what menu screen I need to be looking at?

[Richard Tarleton]

Thanks for the help, everyone! :)

I've set it up and now I need to request a call from the person I'll be speaking to. No idea how to go about doing this. I have their Skype address, but how do I go about putting in the call request? Can anyone advise on what menu screen I need to be looking at?

Are you doing Skype to Skype or Skype to Phone?

Loads of info online

[MrGongGong]

GO to

CONTACTS
then click on ADD CONTACT

Type the skype name you have been given then it will search for it (Click on FIND on the right hand side)
then you should get a box with a message to send to them to say you have Skype, you can change this or leave it as it is then send to them

Hope that's useful ?

[Dave2002]

You seem to be getting there. Are you using video as well as a microphone? I'm assuming you've done the Skype call back test which checks that your end is now working. Msg 8 has the basic information for getting someone to call you. You can also try searching for contacts - which will sometimes work though some (many?) people don't use their own real names, so without being told by them you won't necessarily be able to find people you need to contact.