Start Using Skype

Skype is a FREE piece of software that allows you to place FREE calls all over the world. Skype provides global telephony to make superior quality voice calls and together with broadband, offers a wider choice in communications.

Skype is very simple and easy to install (it will set up with little installation). Skype works behind most firewalls and gateways without creating new security risks. Skype calls are encrypted for your security.

You can also call ordinary and mobile phones from Skype at very cheap rates using Skype Credit and Skype vouchers, which can even be purchased on the website and are even available at your local superstores such as Sainsburys.

How to install Skype on your computer

1. Download the Skype software from the Skype website by clicking on the link below (opens in a separate browser window).

2. Click on the ‘Download‘ link from the Skype website menu. Make sure you select your correct Operating system of Windows, Mac etc and follow the instructions in the Skype installation wizard.

3. Once Skype has finished installing, you will find the Skype icon in your system tray (near the clock on your task bar). Right click on the icon and choose 'Open Skype'.

The Skype window will open and if you have not used Skype before, you should click on 'Don't have a Skype Name' to create your Skype name (this is the name your friends will see in their contact list) and Personal profile. Your Skype Personal Profile can be seen by other Skype users who will be able to search for you using this information.

4. Once you have created your Skype name and signed in, your Skype window with toolbar will open. Skype is divided into several tabs; the main ones the 'Contacts Tab, Dial Tab and History Tab' are always visible.

If you are new to Skype your Contact List will be empty. To find Contacts and add them to your 'Contact List', select the 'Search' option from the toolbar menu or press the Search toolbar button. The 'Search' window will open where you can search for Contacts by their Skype name, email address or any other information they have listed in their Personal Profile.

To add a Contact simply click on 'Add Contact' and fill in the details of your contact. Once your contacts are added they will display in the Contacts tab.

The icon next to each Skype Name indicates their Online Status. You can right-click any Skype Name in your Contact List to see a number of choices for communicating with, or managing this user in your Contact List.

Call your contacts - or use your Skype phone!

You can call other Skype users in several ways:

• From your Contacts List, simply right-click on your contact's name (who is online) and select 'Call' or select the name of a Contact and press the green 'Call button' at the bottom of the toolbar
• Type the name of your Skype Contact in the text box at the bottom of the toolbar, which says 'Type Skype Name or number with country code' and press enter
• Double-click the Skype name of a contact