Requirements

• Skype software
• Computer
• Internet connection (dial up will prove frustrating when trying to use the voice feature)
• Microphone (if using the Conference Call or any voice feature)

Downloading/Installing Skype

Skype is a cross-platform IM/chat/Internet phone application that allows two or more users to communication via an Internet connection. It is a free download available from http://www.skype.com

After downloading the program, follow the installation directions on the Skype webpage.

Obtaining a Skype Account

After installing Skype, double-click the application to launch it.

1. The login screen will appear. 
   1. If you have a login, then type it and your password into the appropriate areas of the screen and click Sign In.
   2. If this is your first time using Skype and you need to create an account then click on Don't have a Skype Name?
      • Fill out the form, when choosing a username (Skypename) remember, your professor and other students will see this name.
      • Click Create

Testing your Microphone and Sound Settings

1. Test your microphone settings by clicking on the Skype Test Callcontact then clicking on the green phone button.
2. Make sure your sound is on and turned up on your computer.
3. Follow the directions given in the call.
4. When all is fine, click the red phone button to hang up. Note: if the microphone or sound on your call does not work see the troubleshooting section of the online help at http://support.skype.com

Adding Contacts

You can't make any calls until you add contacts (other students in your class).

1. Begin by clicking on the + sign to open the new contacts window.
2. You can add folks to your list one of three ways:
   • By Skype username
   • 1. type in their Skype username and click Search.
     2. Choose the name then click Add Contact
     3. From the next window choose Add More if you wish to continue or OK if you are finished adding contacts.
   • By Email address
     1. type in the email used to create the Skype account and click Search.
     2. Choose the name then click Add Contact
     3. From the next window choose Add More if you wish to continue or OK if you are finished adding contacts.
   • By Name
   1. type in their name and click Search.
   2. Choose the name then click Add Contact
   3. From the next window choose Add More if you wish to continue or OK if you are finished adding contacts.

Making a Conference Call (more than two people)

1. From the menu choose Call > Start Conference Call...

2. From the next window, double-click on all the people you want involved in the call (NOTE: they must be online in order to participate)

3. When ready, click Start. This will dial all the selected participants. (NOTE: if a participant does not have a mic he/she cannot participate in a convernece call)

4. As the individuals answer you will see a list with all the mic levels and can begin talking.

   

    

5. To hang up, click on the red phone button.

Accepting a Conference Call Invitation

Sometimes you will be on the receiving end of a conference call request. When this happens all you need to do is answer the call.

• If you click Answer the voice call will begin.

• If you click Decline the call will be cancelled.

• If you click Chat a text chat will be initiated.

Additional Items

Skype can be used for other things besides voice chat:

• Call: starts a basic two-person voice call/voice chat.

• Start Chat: starts a text chat with that person. Once inside the chat, additional users may be added to the chatroom.

• Send SMS: this sends a text message to someones cell phone and requires a phone number to be registered in their profile.

• Send File: allows you to send a file to another Skype user.

• Add to Conference: allows you to add this person to an existing conference call.

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