Getting ready to Skype

What is Skype?

Skype is a popular program for making voice and video calls across the internet. You can get it on desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones and tablets.

It comes already installed on many Windows computers.

To start using Skype, you may need to first download Skype to your device and then create an account. We'll look at that next.

How to install Skype on a smart device

If you are using a mobile phone or tablet, you can go to the app store for your device, then and search for and install the Skype app.

If you’re not sure how to find and install apps, our Useful apps topic can show you how.

eSafety Tip

When installing any apps on your mobile phone or tablet, be sure to only use the official app stores. For Apple iPhones or iPads, only download from the Apple App Store. For Android phones and tablets, be sure to download only from Google Play. Downloading apps for smart devices from anywhere other than the official stores is not safe and not recommended.

How to install Skype on a computer

Your computer may already have Skype installed. If it doesn’t, getting it is easy and free.

Visit the website www.skype.com and then:

• click on Downloads near the top of the screen
• then, click on the blue button that says Get Skype for Windows or Get Skype for Mac, depending on which type of computer you are using.

You can then follow the prompts to complete the installation. Ask a friend or family member to help you if you don't feel confident to do this yourself.

Registering for Skype

Once you’ve installed Skype on your device, you can follow the steps to create an account.

You’ll need to provide:

• a Skype name, to help others find you on Skype
• an email address or phone number that Skype will use to contact you, but which others on Skype won’t be able to see
• a secure password.

You’ll need to log in with your Skype name and password each time you want to use Skype.

eSafety Tip

Skype is owned by Microsoft, so if you created a Microsoft Account when you first set up your Windows computer, you can use it to log in to Skype.

Who can I call on Skype?

You can use Skype to make video calls with other people who have Skype. You can't make a Skype call to somebody using WhatsApp, for example.

Skype works across different devices. For example, you can call someone from a laptop computer, and the person you're calling could be using a mobile phone. As long as you're both using Skype, it will work.

eSafety Tip

It's best not to accept or send Skype requests to people you don't know.

How much does it cost?

Skype uses the internet to make video calls, and you can use your home Wi-Fi connection to talk for as long as you like without paying more than your normal monthly home data fee.

Making a Skype video call from your smartphone may use some of your mobile data, and you may incur charges if you use more than your monthly allowance. To avoid this, you should use a secure Wi-Fi internet connection for any video calls.

Other types of Skype calls

You can use Skype to call regular landline and mobile phone numbers, but there is a charge for this.

Skype also doesn’t allow you to make some types of calls. With Skype, you can’t make calls to:

• emergency numbers
• toll-free numbers

Congratulations!

Well done, you've reached the end of the Getting ready for Skype activity.

Like most video calling apps, you don’t need to pay call charges to use Skype. You can talk to other Skype users using you home internet connection, and you can even talk to several people at once. Skype only incurs call charges if you want to use it to speak to somebody on a landline or mobile phone, so always make sure that the person you wish to call is another Skype user.

The next activity, Making a contacts list, we will look at creating a list of people to call in Skype.