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- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: February 02, 2009
- 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 1073 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.
Version 4.0 offers a single-pane interface, puts contacts and conversations in tabs, increases video size, and improves video and audio quality.
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User reviews of Skype 4.0.0.206
- Average user rating: 3.9 stars out of 1073 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 48 user reviewsSee all 48 user reviews
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Skype 4.0.0.206
"free, simple,& just barely reasonable, but its poor"
Pros: free.. So is MSN, and Yahoo.
video and voice work kinda ok i guess (just not up to scratch compared to what else i can use)Cons: yahoo voice has better quality, more features, easier to use. Skype really sucks in my busy computer life. Maybe its good for simple people though.
interface & useability is poor
I use chat about 25% of time, is just impractical, horrible to use.Summary: Bottom line ; can not recommend. It could be a lot better, and lacks much that is offered by Yahoo, MSN, of which both are easier and less demanding of my time to use. Skype is not intuitive and just horrible for my busy life. I use the computer a ... read more >>
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.206
"Excellent FREE way to stay in touch"
Pros: Excellent FREE way to stay in touch with other Skype users. Subscription seems pretty reasonable, too.
Cons: Nuthin' so far.
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.206
"What a great way to commuinicate"
Pros: Easy to download, easy to use. Free if that is what you need or want. Very inexpensive way to keep in touch with friends and family, around the world.
Cons: None to mention
Summary: Commication, Commication....you have instant messaging, text, video chatting what more can you ask for. It was very easy to download and even easier to use. I highly recommend skype.
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.206
Pros: The interface is okay.
Cons: Poor sound quality; noisy and distorted. I can only imagine what previous versions sounded like.
Summary: I've never used PC phone calls but Verizon charges me $.050 per minute to call Toronto (After all, it's a Third-World county, right?). I would gladly pay Skype 2.1c if it could match my mobile phone's quality. I have cable Internet 1mbps/12mbps so b... read more >>
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.206
"very good.. hope it gets better"
Pros: i can see my son when ever i needed ,because he is abroad studing
Cons: it cuts few times
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