Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Skype is well regarded for offering stable, free VOIP to other Skype users and affordable calling from a PC to a phone, be it a landline or a cell phone. The most recent upgrade makes getting in touch with friends and family--and even complete strangers--much, much easier.
Functionality still varies depending on your Internet connection and what else you're doing with it while using Skype, but they are making some efforts to improve that. When you finish a Skype call, a Web page opens and asks you about the conversation's sound quality. The clean layout combines familiar chat client functions with a dialing interface, so that calling a phone is as simple as entering the desired number and hitting the dial button.
Improvements include conference calling with as many as nine people, video calling, and a browser plug-in that turns phone numbers on Web pages into links that automatically dial via Skype when clicked. There are also Skypecasts, throwbacks to the party-line multiperson telephone conversations from the mid-20th century.
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 software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world. Skype uses innovative 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. Skype calls have better sound quality than your regular phone and are highly secure, with end-to-end encryption. Improves video quality for video calls.
Version 3.8.0.144 has Firefox Skype plugin updated to version 2.2.0.94.
What's new in this version: Version 3.8.0.144 has Firefox Skype plugin updated to version 2.2.0.94.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,888 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 25 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"To have a problem free connection,and a fast connection"
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
This product is very userfrendly
Cons
There are nothing i dont like
Summary
I didnot strugle to load this product,the product is very user frendly
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"Great Software"
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
Save's on my long distance bill's.
Cons
Getting friends to sign up for Skype.
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"is this free"
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
is this free like my cousin called my on skype and it charged me
Cons
i dont know if this is free
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"better than handy!"
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
simple, no problems, best freeware!
Cons
need a headset :P
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"Very I have been able so save some money."
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
Very good and easy to use.
Cons
None, this is a good product.
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"skype version 3.8 - mic does not work"
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
Before the version 3.8 release, everything was fine with 3.6
Cons
Mic does not work with skype version 3.8 but works with 3.6.
With 3.6, the keypad does not work correctly for conference calls where in I have to dial seven digit number. I tried dialling a lot of times, but everytime it reads numbers incorrectlySummary
My mic does not work with 3.8, but works with 3.6.0.248. So I had to uninstall the latest version and install the version 3.6.0.248.
The same mic is working fine for yahoo, googletalk and skype 3.6.0.248.
I have already raised an issue for this, but nothing has been done about it. I got an email to check my setting etc. I did everything but nothing worked. Moreover as my mic works with googletalk, yahoo, and even skype 3.6, so I am pretty sure that something is sure with latest version 3.8 of skype.
I am facing the same issue on three different laptops of my family, all with windows xp and so had to revert back to skype 3.6.0.248 which works fine.
Kindly do something about it.
I can continue using skype 3.6.0.248, but have started facing one issue in that as well.
Now with skype 3.6.0.248, the keypad does not function when I am in call (eg. when I am on call and have to press keypads like "press 7 digit pin to continue"), earlier it was working perfectly.
I am having really a hard time with skype nowadays.
I am rating version 3.8 only, I was happy with 3.6 until this keypad problems while conferencing started coming with 3.6 release as well. -
"I have to *82 before I cant call."
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
skype dosent suport *82 so I cant call them revealing my phone number before I call , I cant call my mom. because I have to show my caller id. Hello (elliot2698 at yahoo . com ) help email me so I can fix this problem
Cons
skype dosent suport *82 so I cant call them revealing my phone number before I call , I cant call my mom. because I have to show my caller id. Hello (elliot2698 at yahoo . com ) help email me so I can fix this problem
Summary
skype dosent suport *82 so I cant call them revealing my phone number before I call , I cant call my mom. because I have to show my caller id. Hello (elliot2698 at yahoo . com ) help email me so I can fix this problem
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"it's good!"
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
easy to use
Cons
Transfer files too slow.
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"EXCELLENT MAREVIIIIIILLLLLLA"
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
ME ENCANTO MUY BUENO Y RAPIDO
Cons
MAGNIFICO EL MEJOR PROGRAMA PARA VIDEOCONFERENCIAS
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"Terrible noy worth the time and money"
Version: Skype 3.8.0.144
Pros
Don't have anything good to say about the product.
Cons
I have used to call overseas but the connection is so bad that you can hear only every other word. They are going to have to fix that a lot more to get me again
Summary
Dislike the product not worth time and money. Doesn't function properly.
Calls are clear if you could understand the other caller and them you. So I consider it to be unworthy to functionas a fix to long distance.
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