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More than 700 billion Skype users place more than 900 zillion calls annually using Skype's free software. While our numbers may be off, there's no doubt that millions of people use Skype for voice and video calls, instant messaging, and file-sharing. PortableApps creates portable freeware by modifying open-source programs to store program data locally and run on a Windows machine without modifying the registry or file structure. We looked at their Skype Portable release. You can store Skype Portable on a USB stick or other device and run it on any Windows PC with Internet access and a microphone, video camera, or other means of communicating via the Skype network.
For a clean installation of Skype Portable, we chose a PC that lacked Skype. We opted to create an entirely new account instead of importing an existing account to verify that the portable application covered every step. The process of creating a free Skype account is the same with Skype Portable as with the regular Skype app. Current Skype users can easily associate existing accounts with Skype Portable during the installation and setup process. Skype is designed to be as bumble-proof as possible, and all its rough edges were worn away long ago. In no time, we heard the familiar echo tone signaling that Skype's setup wizard had finished its job. Seconds later, we were placing phone calls, and with very good audio quality, too. Having verified that the Skype part of Skype Portable worked properly, we tried the portable part, copying the program's folder to a USB drive. We transferred the drive to another computer that lacked Skype, plugged it in, and ran Skype Portable on it: success.
It's easy enough to access your Skype account from any PC that already has Skype. With Skype Portable, though, you can access not only your own account but your own program, settings, and data.
Publisher's Description
From PortableApps:
Skype Portable lets you connect to others via instant message, audio conferencing, and video phone. It can also call regular phone lines from anywhere in the world. It's packaged as a portable app so you communicate on the go.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 13 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"It works great!"
Version: Skype Portable 6.3.0.105
Pros
Great portable version of Skype
Keeps all your settings, logins, etc to be used anywhere. Quick and simple.Cons
Tried on a computer where I'm not admin. Didn't work because I didn't have authority to bypass firewall (not this app's fault though)
Summary
Skype Portable is a great portable app, but I gave it 4 stars because Skype itself isn't worth more.
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"Too good to be true."
Version: Skype Portable 6.0.0.126
Pros
Easy to set up, use, and all on a usb stick. What more can you ask? Oh, and video works a treat.
Cons
Nothing at all
Summary
I only got the free edition, but wow... free skype to skype video chat? Are you kidding me? I will soon go pro with this because up till now I been using yahoo chat that has too many problems, but this skype really rocks and so far not a single problem with the video chat. It all works like a charm so far.
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"Realmente es grande. No pude actualizar el Skype 5.5."
Version: Skype Portable 5.10.0.116
Pros
Si tienes problemas con Skype 5 y no lo puedes actualizar, haz lo mismo que yo hice, me cambie a ese y se acabo el asunto.
Cons
No tengo nada en contra.
Summary
Agil, efectivo y una alternativa magnifica tanto para el PC como para el movil.
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"Downloaded but would not install."
Version: Skype Portable 5.5.0.113
Pros
None - program would not install..
Cons
No way to use the program because it would not install - consistent error codes during numerous attempts.
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"All Your convos are belong to MICROSOFT"
Version: Skype Portable 5.5.0.113
Pros
Great if you like knowing your conversations can be tapped, recorded and stored away for later review by the Government via Microsoft
Cons
Horrible if you -don't- like knowing your conversations can be tapped, recorded and stored away for later review by the Government via Microsoft
Summary
Yes little sheep, read it a weep. Just remember, when mom & dad say "If it's to good to be true . . ." usually they are right.
Copy and paste into your Google Search:
Microsoft Legal Intercept
-or-
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&hl=en&q=microsoft+legal+incercept -
"Very useful."
Version: Skype Portable 5.3.0.116
Pros
Small, quick and easy.
Cons
None, it is just right.
Summary
I don't know. I haven't used it since I downloaded it.
Updated on Jun 17, 2011 -
""must have""
Version: Skype Portable 5.3.0.116
Pros
Handy and easy to use.
Cons
No cons so far as I can see.
Summary
You need it when you will make personal calls when you are on travels or on business trips
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"Very convenient."
Version: Skype Portable 5.3.0.108
Pros
Easy to install, learn and use.
Cons
Not working properly in countries such as China...
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"Easy to use."
Version: Skype Portable 5.3.0.108
Pros
Simple to learn.
Cons
None as of today.
Summary
Beats magicjack!!
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"No other competitor, Quite good"
Version: Skype Portable 5.0.156
Pros
I can put it on a USB and it is legal.
Video calls are fantastic.
Group calls and group chat.
I've always enjoyed the emoticons.
I can stay in touch with family for free.
Calls 1800 numbers free.
Pretty cheap rates.Cons
I can't afford some of the great options that paid packages have.
Summary
Get your whole family used to using skype. Its great for communication.
