TV with DVR & Internet: $89.90/mo
- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: April 22, 2009
- Total Downloads: 4,713,927
- Downloads last week: 13,383
- 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 4.0.0.226
- Average user rating: 3.9 stars out of 1075 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 14 user reviewsSee all 14 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
"This version has no longer log-on / off time stamping!"
Pros: Easy to text chat.
Cons: Calls to lan/mobile line are still very expensive! Am using VOIP Buster for calling.
Summary: Only limited usefulness.
Would like to download older version. Which version has the log on/off time stamping?
Thanks! -
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros: Keypad doesn't work. Can't do extension numbers, so what good is it? 3.9 was a lot better, but now we're stuck with this turkey. Can't download 3.9 anywhere.
Cons: Keypad doesn't work when a call is in progress. Can't do extension numbers.
Summary: Fix the keypad. It worked with 3.9, doesn't work with 4.0. Can't do extension numbers!!!
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
"Clunky, losey interface, dial pad doesn't work"
Pros: NOTHING, THIS VERSION IS TERRIBLE
Cons: EVERYTHING. THE OLD 3.8 WAS MUCH BETTER. OBVIOUSLY THE SOFTWARE GUYS WERE ON DRUGS WHEN THEY CAME UP WITH THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE
Summary: ITS ONE SIMPLE ANSWER. NOT USER FRIENDLY!!
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
"It is what it is and nothing more"
Pros: It works and setup is not to bad.
Cons: The time lag for the voice is distracting to the MAX.
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Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
"a step backwards: no chat; confusing screen"
Pros: I have not found anything I like about this new version (4.0.0.226) that would offset the loss from what was in the 3.8.0.115 version.
Cons: 4.0.0.226 is a huge disappointment. Where's the chat? Just try to find an explanation in the help menus. The screen is much more confusing and less intuitive than in the 3.8.0.115 version.
Summary: I was a great supporter of Skype for a couple of years, but it seems they are actually degrading in terms of design and customer support. Some of the responses are nonsense, and if there is a billing problem, just kiss that money goodbye. I got ma... read more >>
- See all 14 user reviews Write review
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