Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
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. Skype 4.0 for Windows:Publisher's Description
From Skype:
Skype is the next phenomenon from the people who brought you Kazaa. Just like Kazaa, Skype uses P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you to other users--not to share files this time, but to talk for free with your friends. The technology is advanced but supersimple to use. You'll be making perfect-quality, free phone calls to your friends in no time.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,879 votes
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Current version:
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"Skype 6.3.0.107 Just Continues the Downward Trend"
Version: Skype 6.3.0.107
Pros
good audio quality
Cons
Screen share? What screen share?
Inconsistent videoSummary
I frequently used Skype to connect with people on both sides of the US and even the other side of the pond; I have found that while audio quality is good, video and screen sharing quality have taken a definite nosedive. It used to be that screen sharing and video were smooth and natural looking, with little to no lagging, and white bars showing on both ends. Now, white bars may show when using voice, but the moment one of us initiates a screen share, the bars turn red, fluctuate to yellow, then red again, Skype freezes up and we have to kill screen share. Yes, we've made sure we had webcams and video turned off when screen sharing. Yes, all plugs are plugged in tight, and no, we don't have other applications running in the background. OS for all the people I've used Skype with have been Windows XP, 7 or 8 (64bit). This is a recent occurrence. If only we could remember which version didn't do this! 6.3.0.107 is abysmally bad when it comes to video or screen sharing. 6.3.0.105 is little better. So much for "improving our Skype experience!" It has been SOOOOO frustrating.
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"Won't Install"
Version: Skype 6.3.0.105
Pros
None so far
Cons
Won't install
Summary
I was able to install Skype on my Vista laptop in the past without any problem. Now, I get a 2738 error.
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"Pure totalitarian garbage from Ballmersoft"
Version: Skype 6.3.0.105
Pros
If you're one of the WLM users Ballmersoft alienated, zero pros.
Cons
Skype is in itself one big CON. Nothing but downside. Bloatware, doesn't respect settings (will mess with your volume settings even if you order it not to for example) and contains a set of features that is 98% useless.
Summary
Ballmersoft is tanking, and it looks like outright suicide.
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"No. I pitched it!"
Version: Skype 6.3.0.105
Pros
I didn't stay long enough to find any. Very disappointed at being forced to change from a very comfortable IM experience to this.
Cons
I don't like being forced to do anything. So when I had no choice but to download Skype because I wanted to talk to my friend on IM, I did. I found it full of things I'd never use, hard to find my way round and ended up going round and round. My friend wasn't able to figure it out. We jumped ship.
Summary
Can't wait to see where all the other unhappy customers go. I've written down the amount of downloads for the top 5 messenger systems to see what happens over time. Also there is a market out here for someone with programming knowledge.. Let's see what happens.
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"Garbage from day one"
Version: Skype 6.3.0.105
Pros
None, has no value.
Cons
Does not allow me to sign in with my MNS Live ID as claims. Last version did, then forced update. Last version had less than half the functions of Messenger. Can not find older version to install.
Summary
Absolute garbage.
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"Nice communications package."
Version: Skype 6.3.0.105
Pros
Nice and private video phone package w/o having to tweet, you tube or facebook. Easy to use.
Cons
Like to find an easy was to clear the "unanswered calls" log.
Summary
Good free webcam app.
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"There is better"
Version: Skype 6.3.0.105
Pros
Was good long time ago
Cons
Not the cheapest anymore.
I am using my CELL PHONE 100%FREESummary
Stopped using it
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"it's no msn, msn has?had more options"
Version: Skype 6.3.0.105
Pros
they said msn would be replaced by skype but none of my adresses are there
. Can import themCons
Not much to say to it.
Summary
Make it so that we can use our msn adresses, to be able to chat , cause this is not really working for me.
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"It doesn't replace MSN at all"
Version: Skype 6.3.0.105
Pros
- Call quality?
- Vid call quality?Cons
- skype IM screen is huge and takes up half the window
- can't alter text size, font, color (no customization for IM users)
- horrible replacement for MSN messengerSummary
Skype has been a horrible experience so far, it doesn't replace MSN at all. While MSN provides comfortable chatting with friends with more free customizations, Skype is only convenient for video call. It doesn't take into consideration user's other needs as a messenger. I want to make my chatting window smaller so i can chat and watch vid at the same time, Skype screen smallest size still takes over half the screen. I want to customize my text into different color depending on who i chat with, I can't. I want to change background of my chat room I can't. Skype is so freaking boring, the only reasonable feature it provides is video call. It doesn't cater to none call related users who simply want a light IM messenger free of charge.
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"Some improvements compared to the previous version"
Version: Skype 6.3.0.105
Pros
Cleaner layout
Cons
Still some confusion when navigating the menu
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