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Skype Logo-1So I’ve been meaning to do this forever, but I finally got around to playing around with Skype last night. In case you didn’t know, Skype is a service that allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet, otherwise known as Voice Over IP (VoIP). In order to use Skype, you’ll need to have a computer that has a sound card, speakers, and an internal microphone, though you may eventually want to purchase a headset with a microphone. You’ll also need an high speed internet connection like cable internet or DSL. To test out Skype, go to the web site and download a piece of software (compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux) and install it on your computer, then you register on the Skype web site (free) in order to activate your service and then you’re in business.

Skype Window

Once you’re on Skype, you’ll be able to talk to other people who are on Skype for free. If you and the person you’re talking to has a video camera installed on your computer, you can even make video calls. Skype will also allow you to call any landline or cellphone in the world through a feature called SkypeOut. That means that you can use your computer to call up someone in Germany, dial your friend’s cell phone in California, or call your Mom’s house phone down the street. Now while talking to others on Skype is free, you’ll need to buy minutes from Skype in order to use SkypeOut. They do have a great unlimited calling plan for SkypeOut calls within the US and Canada. Currently they are running a special where if you sign up by January 31st, you can make unlimited calls to US and Canadian phones for $14.95 per year. After January 31st, the price goes up to $29.95. SkypeOut also has international calling rates that start at 2.1 cents per minute for countries like China, Germany, Mexico City, Taipei and London.

Last night I tested out Skype by calling my husband’s cell phone, calling up my sister-in-law and by checking my business voice mail over my laptop. Everything appeared to work quite nicely, I was able to carry on a conversation just by using the internal speakers and microphone on my iBook and my husband and sister-in-law had no trouble hearing me. I even recorded a call using Skype and Audio Hijack Pro, which is a program I use to help record my Crafting Voices podcast. Using Skype and Audio Hijack I was able to record one side of a phone call and if I hooked up my microphone, I could also record my end of the conversation separately, which will help improve the way I do phone interviews by 100%. If you’re planning on doing podcasts where you’re doing interviews over the phone, the $14.95 per year that you’ll pay for Skype is more than worth it.

There’s also some other nifty features like SkypeIn, where you get your own Skype telephone number so people who aren’t on Skype can call you through your Skype account. There’s Skype Voicemail, where other Skype members can leave you voicemail messages even when you’re offline. You can also make conference calls with up to four people for free. There’s a charge for both SkypeIn and Skype Voicemail, so I hadn’t tested those out yet. Apparently you’re allowed to choose which country and which area code your SkypeIn number is to have and like looks the the subscription to SkypeIn is about $30 per year. Skype Voicemail is about $15 per year, although if you purchase SkypeIn, you’ll get the voice mail for free.

So how useful would something like Skype be in your life and business? Do you already have Skype? If so, how’s working out for you? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!