Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
After Skype's previous offering took it a step back on the feature set, it's a relief to see version 4.1 reinstate some of those missing baubles--like accessibility provisions, birthday alerts, and the ability to send a contact to other Skype users. Version 4.0 saw Skype reworked, stripped down to its core competency (and most formidable challenge) of delivering high-quality audio and video calls over the Internet. The improved sound and video quality, were notable in our tests, the result of Skype 4.0's sound engine and bandwidth manager.
Public chats have also been temporarily omitted in version 4.x, IM still isn't terribly interactive, and the Skypecast partyline throwback has gotten the kibosh. Those chafing against the larger block of interface that consolidates the classic two-pane look into a single window can also split them in two.
But the real news in this minor version is a major feature: screen sharing. Screen sharing initiates a video call, using that technology to broadcast a recording of your screen--either a portion or the full screen--to one other viewer. Screen sharing has some limitations: you can't simultaneously see a video of your buddy and their desktop, and since only one viewer at a time can peep your screen, you can't use it as a free replacement for collaborative Web conferencing. It doesn't help that the picture quality is still choppy and fuzzy, in both partial-screen and full-screen view modes. Make no mistake, though: it's a great feature that we're happy to see added, but we'll be even happier to watch it improve.
Skype's central theme, though, is cheap calling from the desktop. Anyone who's interested in talking for free from Skype-to-Skype, or cheaper by purchasing Skype credit to call land lines and mobile phones, should give Skype a try. For international callers, this program is a no-brainer solution for slashing those 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 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. You can also now share your screen with other users. Skype calls focus on video and audio quality, and secure the calls with end-to-end encryption.
What's new in this version: Version 4.1 adds screensharing tools and audio and video enhancements.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,880 votes
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Current version:
3.8 starsout of 64 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"don't see any difference from previous"
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
good as the previous, free
Cons
none, none none
Summary
don't see any difference from previous, free
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"Works well. The cost is minimal for what I get."
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
USA calls anytime. I enjoy webcam calls. Easy to setup a new contact. Can click on name then call. I like that it tells me the last time I talked to a person. Great that it has voice mail and emails me. Can text message, too!
Cons
Sometimes it drops the call or poor quality sound or webcam picture blurry.
Summary
I would like this product to have better stability in calls (less dropped, etc.)
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"No summary, at this point."
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
It isn't intrusive.
Cons
Continually get girls who wish to chat.
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"Performs as it should"
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
simple to negotiate and use the features
Cons
there are no real cons to the product
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"as usual it works even the new stuff"
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
very good sound and connection´s, I don´t I stopped my homephone, know i just use skype an my mobile, Iám considering bying a skype phone, but right know I don´t thing the need is there
Cons
In my case the price of using skype phone is a little to high
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"The Best Video Chat program I have ever used!"
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
The video quality is great. No skips in the video or audio. Nice Design, and easy to use.
Cons
Nothing really.
Summary
A great program for video and audio, also the screen sharing is a nice feature.
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"I'm prefering the 3.x version at this point."
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
For how I use it, not much
Cons
Don't like 4.x at all. I only use if for IM, and they ruined it. See my comments under summary section.
Summary
1. I get an annoying amount of "spam" conversations where bogus requests to be added as a friend are coming in. I don't see this on my 3.x version.
2. Somehow, some of those requests are showing up in my contact list. I have all the security settings set so this should not be happening. I then have to delete them from my contact list twice for it to take effect.
3. When friends contact me with an IM, Skype shows up down in my Taskbar and is barely noticeable. Same is true in the other direction. With the 3.x version, I know someone is trying to contact me and it doesn't get left unnoticed. My friends and I are missing one another's IMs for hours because of this "new" behavior. -
"Skype Just Keeps Getting Better and Better!"
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
Stability: Even with a batch of people in a conference, we haven't had a drop one time unless a person has a problem on their end. We record some of our podcast using Skype, and the quality of the recording was clean and synchronized. All good stuff.
Cons
Actually, I do have one con about the Skype experience, and it's a pretty big one. When I was trying to find out how to use some of the features, I resorted to Skype's online HELP section. It is SO "LAME" and easier to just figure it out yourself.
Summary
I've been using Skype for years, so I've had the opportunity to watch this software evolve into what it is today. It just keeps getting better with each release. It gets new features added to it on a regular basis, and improvements are made on the exixting features it has had already that's only making them better. We have a slow highspeed Internet connection at our home because it's all we can get in the location in which we live (we live WAY out in the country), and we can barely get a cell phone connection out here. I went a ahead and purchased the Skype-Out plan so I could make long distance phone calls to family who stretch out all over the United States. Every single phone call was a perfect 10. With the premium subscription, I was able to have a conference with other Skypers, and then also call other friends on their phones to join us. It worked without a glitch. Definitely worth the money whether you get the free version or you want to pay for the Skype-Out capabilities!
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"Good quality video & sound."
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
Available at all times.fast, clear, a good asset for doing business.
Cons
Nun that I can think of.
Summary
Like everything about it.
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"very good - free phone, good quality"
Version: Skype 4.1
Pros
easy to be used
Cons
porno providers can easily contact you
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