- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: November 19, 2008
- Total Downloads: 4,552,928
- Downloads last week: 20,639
- See full specifications
A newer version of Skype is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1072 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff on November 07, 2008
In some ways, Skype's latest offering takes a step back, but in many, it's a jump forward. In version 4.0, Skype's VoIP app for text, audio, and video calls refocuses on Skype's core competency (and most formidable challenge) of delivering high-quality audio and video calls over the Internet. A new sound engine and bandwidth manager helps keep calls clearer and more stable as talkers reach out across the world, using the spectrum of high- and low-end equipment. The improved sound and video quality were notable in our tests.
Many of Skype's secondary features remain in version 4.0, like conference calling with up to 24 people, IM, history-viewing, file-transferring, and games. Yet some users may decry that public chats have been temporarily omitted, IM isn't terribly interactive, and the Skypecast partyline throwback has gotten the kibosh. Others may chafe against the new interface, a larger block that consolidates the classic two-pane look into a single window. Foreseeing this, Skype has made it possible to split them into two. The new organization places contacts and conversation on side-by-side tabs, and that is surely appreciated.
Anyone who's interested in talking for free should give it a try. For international callers, this program is a no-brainer solution for slashing the long-distance bills.
Watch the CNET video review of Skype:
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.
What's new in this version:
Compact view is back if you prefer Skype small-screen, Alerts are bigger, brighter and easier to see. Sort your contacts into easy to find categories.
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User reviews of Skype 3.8.32.188
- Average user rating: 0 stars Not yet available
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 3 of 3 user reviewsSee all 3 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Skype 3.8.32.188
"Compared to the latest 4.1 version, this is AWESOME!"
Pros: Lastest 4.1 version is here: http://download.cnet.com/Skype/3000-2349_4-10225260.html?tag=mncol;psum
Cons: After using 4.1 and seeing how terrible it is, 3.8 is a god-sent.
Summary: See for yourself. Install this 3.8 version, use it. You'll find it is easy to use and practical in design.
Then go install 4.1.
Bet you'll revert to 3.8 within a week.
I'd rather put up with the bugs of 3.8 and use 4.1. -
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype 3.8.32.188
"This build of Skype 3.8.32.188 is bad and buggy ! ! !"
Pros: It looks fine and has lots of features. BUT...
Cons: This software crashes my yahoo and other software that is installed on my PC. Skype intergrates with all your applications on your pc and if it finds any kind of number it highlights thinking it is a telephone number including web pages you visit
Summary: Skype is confusing to use, even though it has many cool features, this build messes up my other programs installed on my PC, I had a lot of trouble trying to get it off my machine, all I can say to the developers you can do much better than this. Th... read more >>
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype 3.8.32.188
Pros: Quality of call seems to be excellent. Very easy to start
Cons: For even local calls, you still have to dial an area code. All calls, you still apparently need to "buy" time, called "Skype credit".
Summary: If your goal was getting a free phone service over the Internet, this isn't it.
- See all 3 user reviews Write review
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