Skype

What is Skype?

• Skype allows you to make telephone calls from the APN Public PC to other Skype users' computers -  free of charge. 

• To call landlines and cell phones there is a fee, you would need to add credit to your Skype account first. 

• Additional Skype features include instant messaging or chat, file transfer, short message service (they're talking about SMS texting) and video conferencing.

Quick Tips: 

• When you arrange to make a Skype call using the APN Public PC to someone outside the library you need to be the person to make the call out.  Our security network may prevent incoming calls from outside the APN network.
• When on the APN Public PCS allow 2 to 10 minutes for Skype to log you in and/or "see" your current online contacts.  (You can continue to use the PC to do other activities while Skype logs in.)
• Problems?  Check Skype's own system status website - http://heartbeat.skype.com/

How do I join Skype?

To use Skype you will need a Skype account which you can create (for free) on the APN Public PC.

• Select Skype from the start menu

• Click on the "Don't have a Skype Name?" link under the Skype Name log on box if you are new to Skype

• Fill out the Create Account form, please try and think of an original Skype name (possibly with numbers in it) as there are many millions of users and JohnSmith is probably already taken

• Write down your Skype account and password and keep this info safe and secure

• Please note it may take a couple of minutes for Skype to join you up, and if your Skype name is already taken it will take even longer

• If you get an error message about the network just try joining up again, sometimes the connection fails

• Please note it usually takes a couple of minutes for Skype to log on

How do I find my Skype buddies?

• Tools menu | Search for Skype users ...   [use Add a contact if you already know your Skype buddy's email address/Skype account name]

• Search for Skype users allows you to search for your friend by name, country, city, etc.

• Once you have found your Skype friend click on Add Skype Contact and close the Search box

You can import your contacts

You can import your contacts from eg Gmail by using the Skype, Tools, Import Contacts wizard.

How do I ring my Skype buddies?

• Oh, so now you actually want to talk to someone?  Your Skype buddy(s) should appear in the Skype Contacts list

• click on your contact

• click on the green phone button

• if you are receiving a Skype call a pop up window appears in the middle of the screen - from here you can click on Answer (or reject to not answer the call, or Chat to type your messages rather than using voice).

   

  PLEASE NOTE:  logging on to Skype CAN TAKE AGES.  Please allow up to five minutes - you can still browse the internet while Skype logs on.

Use the headset (microphone goes on the left side) to make Skype calls. 

You can video conference using the webcam (it's sitting on top of the screen, and may need manually adjusting to get you in the picture). 

Once you have your Skype call session click on the blue Show My Video link from the main Skype console

By default Skype is configured to use the headset (with mic) plugged into the back of the PC, and to use the Webcam and headset mic for video calls. 

If you have plugged your own headset (with mic) into the front of the pc go to Skype - Tools, Options, Audio Settings and select Microphone HD Audio front mic from the drop down menu.  Note: you do not need to remove the headset plugged into the back of the unit in order to use a headset plugged in at the front.

Troubleshooting - You can test this works by using the Skype Test Call service.

Did you know ...

Logging off

When you close the Skype console window you still stay logged into Skype.  Restart the PC or click Skype File "Sign Out" to really log off.

Conference calls

You can talk to more than one person using the Conference Call function with Skype.  Note: this won't work with a webcam.  Go to Call, Start Conference Call once logged in.

Chat | Instant Messaging

You can chat with other Skype users - use the Chats menu "Start a Group Chat" from the Skype console. 

See also

Volume

Instant Messenger

Hardware

Headsets

Programs