- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
- Date added: October 11, 2009
- Total Downloads: 5,235,654
- Downloads last week: 21,428
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1089 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 1089 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 64 user reviewsSee all 64 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
Pros: ive never had any problems as of yet. however I only installed skype 3 weeks ago.
Cons: the only con i see is not even with skype. its with the freinds of mine who have not yet installed skype on their rigs.
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
Pros: Works for me.
Cons: I actually preferred the earlier versions -- no spam in the good old days.
Summary: Works. I like Skype and what it does, but I don't really need, or want video and I certainly don't need or want the spam that appears to be arriving via Skype since the upgrade. I am sure I can work on fixing that, but I realy wish I didn't have to.
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
"Skype with a webcam is the next best thing to visiting."
Pros: The audio is clearer than my land line phone. My daughter lives very far away from me, but the calls are free. By installing an inexpensive webcam, the conversation becomes the next best thing to visiitng. I can see my granddaughter grow and change..
Cons: Actually, I can't think of any cons.
Summary: For a utility that allows people to keep in touch no matter what their budget or laocation, I don't think you can beat it. My granddaughter even gets to see my cat, whom she loves, and I get to see her latest art work, new clothes, and gymnastic ac... read more >>
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
Pros: EVERYTHING TOP PROGAM (SIMPLES) TO ALL THERE'S NOT A BAD THING I CAN SAY AGAINST-IT WHAT SO EVER...
Cons: PEOPLE MORNING ON ABOUT IT Em...
Summary: LOVE IT ALL USER FRIENDLY TO V MAX / SHARE JUST ABOUT ANY-THING FREW-ITLOT'S OF EXTRA GOODIE'S WHAT CAN I SAY. I TAKE MY HAT OF 2 YOU SKYPE 11 OUT OF 10 CHIN-CHIN EASY LATER'S MR NIGGYD...
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
"PC to PC and PC to tel. no communication"
Pros: Use Skype for years. Perhaps due to huge membership, on weekends and evenings picture transmission is breaking. I use PC to PC for overseas contacts, and all long distance calls PC to phone no's in Canada and US, as good as calling phone to phone.
Cons: no technical support, if you want to solve subscription payment problem, no phone no., no email contact, very disappointing for such a huge client usage.
Summary: PC to PC is free and well functional. I use PC to phone no's for all long distance calls within US and Canada for a yearly fee which cannot compare with any other VOI system
- See all 64 user reviews Write review
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