Skype

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Skype

• New Technologies Series 7

http//intranet.bhc.edu/TLC/HowTo/NewTechSeries/sk
ype.ppt
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What is skype?

• Internet telephony, such as
• Make free (voice-over-IP) calls to other people
  from your computer to theirs or to their mobile
  or land line for a fee (SkypeOut).
• Make calls from a telephone or wireless,
  Bluetooth headset to someones computer for a fee
  (SkypeIn)
• Chat/instant message with up to 48 other
  subscribers (free).
• Use a skype directory to locate a user who also
  uses skype

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What is skype?

• Internet telephone, such as
• - Specify presence levels when online (available
  to anyone, available to contact list only, busy,
  away, do not disturb)
• Block specific users or restrict to those in
  contact list
• Employ call forwarding

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Skype Access

• Download skype software to ones own computer
  from www.skype.net/download. Works on Windows XP,
  Linus, MacOS X, PocketPC
• Create a user account with unique username and
  password/passphrase
• Useable via 56K modem, but sound quality is
  better via broadband
• Plug in USB-phone or headset into computer for
  best quality
• Purchase Skype phone card if calling a regular
  phone (SkypeOut) cheaper than long distance
• Can download free Skype toolbar for IE or Outlook

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How is skype being used in HE?

• Office hours or tutoring (can share files up to
  1GB)
• Small group meetings when synchronous, live
  connection is needed to achieve goals
• Synchronous class sessions
• Potential issues to consider
• Depending on connection speed, some delay, echo
  or stuttering may occur in sound
• Tends to slow down computer speed when in use
• File transfer can be time-consuming

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Online Resources about Skype

• http//www.skype.com
• What is Internet telephony? http//www.iptel.org/
  info/
• User Guides/FAQhttp//www.skype.com/help/guides/
• Skype Forum (discussions with users)http//share.
  skype.com/forum_links/
• Security concerns for businesseshttp//www.pcworl
  d.com/news/article/0,aid,123279,00.asp