- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: January 14, 2005
- Total Downloads: 4,552,928
- Downloads last week: 20,639
- See full specifications
A newer version of Skype for Windows is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1072 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
Getting in touch with friends and family is easy with this Internet telephone software, but the functionality is conditional. Skype offers a graphically pleasing interface that's much like a chat program. To make calls, you'll need to create a contact list of friends and family or use the phone-like interface to dial people directly. You also can access a pull-down menu for painless conference calls of up to four people. To make free calls, both parties will need to have the Skype software installed. To call regular phones, you'll need to sign up for a plan with SkypeOut, the developer's paid service that offers cheap by-the-minute calling. We like the intuitive chat-like interface of Skype and we were surprised at the excellent sound quality, even with regular desktop speakers. Similar to a chat client, you can set your availability status, but we also would like to see a missed call indicator or, better yet, some form of voice mail. Overall, we think Skype is a strong contender in the Internet Telephony category, and anyone who's interested in talking for free should give it a try. For international callers who have computers, this program is a no-brainer solution for long-distance bills. Watch the CNET video review of Skype for Windows:
Publisher's description
From Skype :Skype is free and simple software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world in only minutes. Skype uses innovative P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you with other users. It is quick and easy to install and offers several features, including SkypeOut calling from Skype to regular and mobile phones worldwide, free conference calling, and secure file transferring. Skype calls have better sound quality than your regular phone and are highly secure, with end-to-end encryption. Version 1.1.0.79 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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User reviews of Skype for Windows 1.1.0.79
- Average user rating: 3.9 stars out of 1072 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 69 user reviewsSee all 69 user reviews
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype for Windows 1.1.0.79
Pros: It shows high quality and preformance. Like other Im's this one lets you customize the pictures and has cooler smileys. AIM on the other hand shows none of that. It only takes 13MB of your space. But it's really worth it. You can also try trillian it is good too.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype for Windows 1.1.0.79
"Excellent for audio conversations"
Pros: Excellent program for having audio conversations on the internet. I give this program a 5 ***** I also recommend using this with MSN Messenger 7.0
Cons: Not impressed with skypeout, or the IM feature it doesn't even let you know when a user is typing. Although the program was designed for phone calls and audio conversations and not Instant Messaging.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype for Windows 1.1.0.79
Pros: Firstly, it looks good! The interface is easy to use, very intuitive. The sound quality is good too, although if your computer is busy doing other things the sound does get a little stuttery. I like the search engine, that allows you to search for and contact other people by state/town/number/age/country/language/gender etc. There are reguarly around 2 million users online at any one point, so its good for practicing your foreign language skills or just finding out whats going on in Buenos Airies / Timbuktu!
Also, I use the service for calling my family and friends in my home country, as it works out much cheaper than my landline/mobile or evn my overseas call servicer. And with a good mic and speakers, I can roam around my room and talk without having my handset glued to my ear.
It also has a nice messenger not unlike MSN or Yahoo, and dont be surprised if later updates utilise webcams. I like this program a lot, in 5 years a persons Skype ID will be as commonplace on business cards as their email address...maybe!
Cons: The search can be a bit hit and miss, sometimes it seems to miss people while on the next search it finds them, or vice versa
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype for Windows 1.1.0.79
Pros: Of all the software I use (Firefox, Winamp, Gaim, Aspell, amoung others) Skype is on my top 10 list of most important software. Free to other skype users, and about 2 cents/minute to call a regular phone or cell. No subscription, no monthly bills, nothing like that. All pre-paid and all very easy.
Cons: Quality, although arguably the best VOIP out there, and definatly better than cell phones, I doubt can ever hit the stability (99.9 percent) of a landline. Though for free - Skype's 98 percent is more than acceptable - its great.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype for Windows 1.1.0.79
Pros: Crystal clear audio and free service (unlike the newly announced AOL, for example) make it an immediate hit. Long distance calling, voice mail and the ability to setup a phone number at your computer (all cost-based services) make Skype even better.
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