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- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: March 17, 2009
- Total Downloads: 4,596,769
- Downloads last week: 17,808
- 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 1075 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.
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User reviews of Skype 4.0.0.216
- Average user rating: 3.9 stars out of 1075 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 8 user reviewsSee all 8 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Skype 4.0.0.216
Pros: looks pretty, once working seems ok.
Cons: Not as easy to navigate as previous versions. Will not recognize my webcam/mic, tho I reloaded it twice. Now it's visible but can't select as an option, so while I can see and hear caller, they can't see or hear me. IM'ing is not my thing!
Summary: Worse, not better.
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.216
"NO HELP available. Looks good. Primitive features"
Pros: video interface looks alright
Cons: NO HELP available for technical matters.
Primitive and short of features.
Non competitive rates in my home countrySummary: Not happy with my experience
Several tickets raised with the help people, but no replies beyond initial email response that someone will get back within 24 hours "usually", but sometimes 48. A week and a half now, and i am wondering if i waste... read more >> -
Version: Skype 4.0.0.216
"I use SKYPE every day, and have no problems"
Pros: Have saved a fortune with phone calls. I have used this to make cals form China, orea, Japan, Taiwan, and it works a treat
Cons: Nothing at all
Summary: Best thing I ever did was to go to SKYPE. Started using it 14 months ago, when I was working in China. Saved a fortune in long distance and overseas call charges.
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.216
"The best FREE webcam/voice service available..."
Pros: Very good voice and video quality. Easy to use and very light on system resources.
Cons: None so far.
Summary: The best service for video conferencing and voice talk.
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.216
"What is this??? All contacts have dissapeared!"
Pros: This is NOT an upgrade. It's a version that will help you depart from your contacts. It will simply disappear and you won't be able to re-add your contacts, because the great program will let you know that they are already on your non-visible list.
Cons: DONT INSTALL this "Upgrade". Unless you want to kiss all your contacts goodbye.
Summary: did you take a look at google lately? So many people who install this program have experienced the misterious disappearance of their contacts!!! Now, when you try to add that contact again - you can't. The fantastic program tells you they are alread... read more >>
- See all 8 user reviews Write review
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