- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
- Date added: September 06, 2009
- Total Downloads: 5,036,911
- Downloads last week: 15,085
- 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 1091 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Jessica Dolcourt on July 01, 2009
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.
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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.
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User reviews of Skype 4.1.0.166
- Average user rating: 3.9 stars out of 1091 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 58 user reviewsSee all 58 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Skype 4.1.0.166
Pros: If I use my UMTS-Modem, I need a fast response. It's for using Voice-functionality a better quality.
Cons: One Tool for Communication.
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.166
"Great tool for keeping in contact."
Pros: The user friendly layout.
Cons: Time delay seems to be the biggest drawback.
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.166
"Great to keep in touch with friends and family."
Pros: Easy to use.
Cons: Can't use the screen feature to see all the family members at once.
Summary: I can keep in touch with my family, by voice, near and far away.
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.166
Pros: Everything
Cons: I don't have any..
Summary: It's really being a nice and good experience.... Nice features and functionality..
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Version: Skype 4.1.0.166
Pros: Skype has grown up and doesn't default to making calls anymore. It has a unified user interface as well.
Cons: Skype hasn't grown to work well in the UAC environment of Windows when it comes to the SkypeExtras. The browser plugin for Internet Explorer can be quite slow and cause crashes as well.
Summary: Excluding any add-on functionality, Skype is one of the best online calling and instant messaging clients.
- See all 58 user reviews Write review
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