- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
- Date added: October 11, 2009
- Total Downloads: 5,422,672
- Downloads last week: 24,882
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1111 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Jessica Dolcourt on July 01, 2009
After Skype's previous offering took it a step back on the feature set, it's a relief to see version 4.1 reinstate some of those missing baubles--like accessibility provisions, birthday alerts, and the ability to send a contact to other Skype users. Version 4.0 saw Skype reworked, stripped down to its core competency (and most formidable challenge) of delivering high-quality audio and video calls over the Internet. The improved sound and video quality, were notable in our tests, the result of Skype 4.0's sound engine and bandwidth manager.
Public chats have also been temporarily omitted in version 4.x, IM still isn't terribly interactive, and the Skypecast partyline throwback has gotten the kibosh. Those chafing against the larger block of interface that consolidates the classic two-pane look into a single window can also split them in two.
But the real news in this minor version is a major feature: screen sharing. Screen sharing initiates a video call, using that technology to broadcast a recording of your screen--either a portion or the full screen--to one other viewer. Screen sharing has some limitations: you can't simultaneously see a video of your buddy and their desktop, and since only one viewer at a time can peep your screen, you can't use it as a free replacement for collaborative Web conferencing. It doesn't help that the picture quality is still choppy and fuzzy, in both partial-screen and full-screen view modes. Make no mistake, though: it's a great feature that we're happy to see added, but we'll be even happier to watch it improve.
Skype's central theme, though, is cheap calling from the desktop. Anyone who's interested in talking for free from Skype-to-Skype, or cheaper by purchasing Skype credit to call land lines and mobile phones, should give Skype a try. For international callers, this program is a no-brainer solution for slashing those long-distance bills.
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Publisher's description
From Skype :Skype is software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world. Skype uses P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you with other users. It offers several features, including SkypeOut calling from Skype to regular and mobile phones worldwide, conference calling, and secure file transferring. You can also now share your screen with other users. Skype calls focus on video and audio quality, and secure the calls with end-to-end encryption.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.9 stars out of 1111 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 86 user reviewsSee all 86 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
Pros: have not used product
Cons: have not used product
Summary: have not used product
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
"I can see no real difference, but its great"
Pros: Cheap, fast connection all over the world, what more could anyone want in telecomunications
Cons: None at all thanks
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
"The best messenger out there!"
Pros: This application has more than you would ever want. Clear voice or video calls without lag. Nice chatting environment and many emoticons. Many games for you and your friends to enjoy. You can also use it to call mobiles and home phones (need credits)
Cons: The credits are very expensive to buy and i would suggest to use another program to call mobiles or other phones. Some rare call drops. Nothing much.
Summary: Definitely a good download to keep your friends and relatives close.
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
Pros: works as suggested
Cons: Nothing severe have I found yet
Summary: Quality program, and the price is Right!
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
"I have used skype to call locally and I like it"
Pros: It is clear calling places sometimes
Cons: It is too expensive to call different countries. To land lines and cell phones.
Summary: I bought a $10 credit and called Africa for 18 minutes and was left with $3 only.
it is way cheaper to use mobilecaller.com minutes online if you want to make international calls. I have used $10 to speak for more than 1 hour calling someone i... read more >> - See all 86 user reviews Write review
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