Advertisement

How To

What Is Skype and How Does it Work?

What Is Skype and How Does it Work?
Amber Sass

Amber Sass

  • Updated:

UpdatedUpdated features and information

Skype is a very popular VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) platform that allows people to communicate only across many different devices. With Skype, you can video or audio call and send text messages. In essence, Skype can turn your computer into a phone without all the costs involved with a regular telephone line.

Another benefit of using Skype is that video and audio calls and text messaging are free between Skype users as long as you have an internet connection. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to connect with users who don’t have Skype, though. You will still be able to connect with them at a small charge. 

What Is Skype?

As mentioned, Skype is a VoIP platform. This platform lets users make video and audio calls from their computer, browser or mobile device. One of the things that makes Skype different to other similar services is that it is a peer-to-peer service. This means that the running workload is spread across all the users rather than running off a traditional server. This is one of the main reasons why Skype can offer its services at such affordable prices.

What is Skype and how it works

Features of Skype

Although Skype is best known for its voice and video calling, the app offers quite a few features that make it a great communication and messaging application to use.

Video and Audio Calls

With Skype, you can easily make voice and video calls. You can also make calls to multiple users at the same time, which is great for connecting with family or having business meetings. You also have the option to record your voice and audio calls. Calls between Skype users are free. However, you can also make calls to non-Skype users for a small fee starting at $0.15/minute.

Text Messaging

Skype also offers a messaging service where you can send text messages to other Skype users for free. If you want to send a text message with Skype to someone who doesn’t have the app, you can do so for as little as ten cents per message.

File Sharing

You can also share files such as videos, images and documents easily on Skype. All you need to do is drag the file you wish to share into the chat box, and it will be shared with the recipient.

Screen Sharing

Screen sharing is a beneficial feature that lets you share your current screen with the other participants on the call. This way, they will be able to see what is on your screen. This is especially useful if you have business meetings and need to share certain information with your team.

Live Subtitles

Skype has also recently introduced live subtitles to their available features. This means that everything being said will also appear in subtitles at the bottom of the screen during your calls. This is a useful feature for those working in noisy areas or who have hearing issues as they can still be part of the meeting and understand everything being discussed.

Skype Translator

Skype Translator can translate both voice and text in real-time. This means you can talk with colleagues and family in different languages and still know and understand what is said. Currently, the voice translator can translate conversations into 11 different languages. The text translator, on the other hand, can already translate more than 60 languages. This is still a new feature, and as such more languages are being added all the time.

What is Skype and how it works

How Does Skype Work?

Skype is one of the easiest platforms to start using. Within seconds of downloading the app and creating your account, you can start making calls. Skype is available across all platforms so that you can get the app on your Mac or Windows PC as well as your Android or iOS device. It also has a handy browser version for when you are using a public computer or device.

Download Skype for your favorite device here:

How Much Does Skype Cost?

As we mentioned, if you use Skype to connect with other Skype users, the service is free. However, there are also packages available that allow you to make calls and send messages to users without Skype by connecting with their landline or mobile number.

The subscription packages range from $2.99/month to $7.99/month, depending on the areas you need to call to. If you don’t want to buy a subscription because you only need to make these calls once in a blue moon, you can also buy Skype Credit which can be used to make calls to non-Skype users. You can buy Skype Credit in increments starting at $5.00.

Getting Started with Skype

Let’s take a look at how you can get started with Skype. Although the app has been set up to be very simple to use, it always helps to know exactly how things work and what you need to do to get started.

Creating an Account

The first thing you will need to do is create your free account. One of the first things you will be asked is to enter your Skype name and password. It is essential to use a name you’ll easily remember and is easy to give to others as this name will essentially become your Skype ‘phone’ number. Next, you will be asked a few more questions about yourself.

You will have the option to choose who sees this information. However, it is essential to note that even if you choose to keep your information private, some details such as your name, language, age, and location will still be visible to everyone.

Finding Contacts

Finding and adding a contact is very useful to do early on as it will save you a lot of time when you have to call someone, and you can just find them in your contacts on Skype. This is also a very easy process that can be done quickly.

Once you’ve opened the app on your chosen device, you just click or tap on the contacts icon (represented by an address book icon). Now you can start searching for contacts to add by either typing their name, email address, or mobile number.

As you type, Skype will begin searching and showing matches, and when you see the right match, you can click on it to add that contact to your list. If the contact is not yet on Skype, you can send them an invite to join you on Skype by downloading the app and creating a free account.

Customize Your Account

Now you can customize your Skype account by adding a profile picture and setting the app to either light or dark mode. You can change your display name, should you want to. You will not be able to change your Skype ID. This ID is automatically assigned to your account when you sign up for Skype. It is not possible to change this ID in Skype at all.

Making Video and Audio Calls With Skype

Now that your account has been created, contacts have been added, and you’ve personalized your app, you can start making calls. Once you are in the app, you click on ‘Calls’ (represented by the telephone icon), this will open your contact list, and you can choose who to call. Once the call starts, you can choose whether you want to show the camera for a video call or keep the call audio-only.

Texting on Skype

To send a text message is just as easy as making calls. Once in the app, you click on ‘Chats’ in the new window. You can click on the conversation you wish to continue via text or tap on the blue ‘Compose’ icon to start a new chat.

Setting up your Skype status

Make sure your contacts know when you’re available on Skype. You can choose from the following different statuses: Online, Away, Do Not Disturb, Invisible or Offline. These statuses will give your contacts a good idea of your availability and whether it’s appropriate to message or call you.

When it comes to your Away status, you can determine how long your computer is allowed to remain inactive before Skype automatically switches your status to Away. Go to Tools > Options on your menu bar. From there, choose General settings and check the box marked “Show me as Away when I’ve been inactive for __ minutes.” Also indicate how many minutes in the relevant space.

Note that your contacts can still message you when you’re listed as Away or Do Not Disturb. If you want true privacy, either opt to go Offline or pick Invisible.

Invisible status is a great option if you want to limit who you talk to on Skype. Unlike in Offline status, you can see which of your Skype contacts are online when you choose to be on Invisible. They just can’t see you. You can chat with any of your contacts while using this status, but you’re much less likely to receive messages from others, since you’ll appear as Offline to everyone else. It’s the best way to chat incognito!

Does Skype Offer End-To-End Encryption?

Yes, Skype offers end-to-end encryption on all the text messages sent on the platform. This means that nobody except you and the recipient can read the messages. Not even Skype has access to your text messages. However, it’s good to note that there isn’t end-to-end encryption available on video or voice calls.

What Devices Can I Use With Skype?

Skype is available cross-platform and can be used on both mobile and PC devices. You can run Skype on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS operating systems, and there is also a web version available that you can access directly from your browser.

More Resources to Make the Most of Your Skype

To get the most out of your Skype sessions, here is a list of other helpful resources and guides.

What is Skype and how it works

Connect With Friends, Family, and Loved Ones With Skype

Skype is one of the easiest chat and messaging platforms that you can use for free. All you need is a mobile device or PC with Skype installed (or access to the web version) and an internet connection. With Skype, you can talk and video call anyone in the world, and it is free if they have SKype as well. If they don’t have Skype, the charges are very affordable.

Amber Sass

Amber Sass

Latest from Amber Sass

Editorial Guidelines