- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: October 11, 2009
- Total Downloads: 5,116,041
- Downloads last week: 18,664
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1071 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 1071 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 46 user reviewsSee all 46 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
"Internet call function with landline connection."
Pros: Easy to install and use. Seldom down
Cons: First it was a cheap functionality. Nowadays there are cheaper suppliers,
Summary: Usable tool to talk to people on the PC and use Skype Out to speak to landline phones and mobiles. Expansion/roll-out of the Skype Out function (more countries, more mobiles in countries and more countries with telephone number for incoming traffic)... read more >>
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
Pros: I was in the hospital. The night nurse saw Skype and asked, "How is it that you can see and hear your daughter." Thanks to Skype.
Cons: Usually it is the internet connection or a slow computer that causes problems.
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
"This is a user friendly and good looking software."
Pros: Its sound is sonorous and its user interface is interesting. It connects quickly.I like its starting siren.
Cons: I have found no reason to dislike it.
Summary: The user interface is easy and simple. Connectivity is good.
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
Pros: Easy to call contacts and chat with them
Cons: File and photo transfers are somewhat time consuming
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.179
"I use it everyday to call friends and family."
Pros: I like it because you can clal anywhere it's free.
Cons: I have not found anything wrong with it.
- See all 46 user reviews Write review
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