Skype

CNET Editors' review

If you go around saying things like "P2P" and "VoIP," even your friends are apt to give you the eyebrow, but say "Skype," and millions of users around the world get the message. Skype means free Skype-to Skype Internet phone calls, video chat and conferencing, IM, and Facebook integration. We tried the latest release of the free version of Skype, which not only lets you yak at other Skype users as long as you want for free but also enables free one-to-one video calls, Instant Messaging, and screen sharing. A Pay As You Go option lets you call non-Skype numbers and pay by the minute, and frequent callers can opt for a Subscription service. Skype is also available in a premium package offering unlimited international calling and enhanced video chat and conferencing. To use Skype, you'll need a microphone and Web cam as well as sound and video capability and a broadband Internet connection.

Skype's installer includes the optional Click-to-Call feature, which lets users call Web sites displaying telephone numbers with a click. We signed in to our existing Skype account, though new users can quickly sign up for a free account, which includes checking your sound and video connections and choosing an (optional) account picture. You can have more than one Skype account. Skype is easy to use, thanks in part to a simple interface that walks users through nearly every step. The first step when using Skype is to "find friends and say hello," which means adding Contacts and creating Groups. Adding a Contact is easy: Click Add Contact, enter the person's email address, phone number, Skype number, and Skype name. Skype's Settings include a Call Quality Guide to help users overcome technical issues with Internet phoning, which can be an adventure.

Skype does a pretty good job with voice calls and even video hookups, but of course quality depends not only on your setup but also the other party's as well as the connection between the two. Given all that, it's a wonder Skype works so well, but it does. If you're not already using Skype, try it and see for yourself why it's so popular.

Skype - Talk with friends and family for free over the Internet - Download Video Previews:

Publisher's Description

More Products to Consider

  • Camfrog Video Chat
    Join live-video chat rooms from around the world.
    Download Or, Learn More About Camfrog Video Chat

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • mIRC
    Chat with other people and participate in group discussions.
    Download Or, Learn More About mIRC

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Skype
    Talk with friends and family for free over the Internet.
    Download Or, Learn More About Skype

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • WebcamMax
    Add thousands of cool effects to webcam video for live video ch...
    Download Or, Learn More About WebcamMax

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • CyberLink YouCam
    Add dynamic effects to your video from HD Webcams.
    Download Or, Learn More About CyberLink YouCam

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Magic Camera
    Add a virtual webcam with amazing video effects to your video c...
    Download Or, Learn More About Magic Camera

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • ManyCam
    Add live Webcam effects to your videos and photos.
    Download Or, Learn More About ManyCam

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Yahoo Messenger
    Communicate instantly with your friends using avatars, PC-to-PC...
    Download Or, Learn More About Yahoo Messenger

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Nokia PC Suite
    Connect your Nokia phone to PC to sync data, download software,...
    Download Or, Learn More About Nokia PC Suite

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • eM Client
    Manage your e-mails, calendars, and contacts and sync with Gmai...
    Download Or, Learn More About eM Client

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Perfect Fake Webcam
    Add a virtual Webcam for video chats software such as Skype, MS...
    Download Or, Learn More About Perfect Fake Webcam

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Facebook Messenger
    Chat with your friends from your desktop.
    Download Or, Learn More About Facebook Messenger

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Multi Skype Launche...
    Run multiple Skype accounts on the same computer.
    Download Or, Learn More About Multi Skype Launcher

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • ArcSoft WebCam Comp...
    Capture, edit, print, and share photos and videos from your Web...
    Download Or, Learn More About ArcSoft WebCam Companion

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • NokiaFree Unlock Co...
    Repair, remove SIM restrictions from, and unlock various cell p...
    Download Or, Learn More About NokiaFree Unlock Codes Calculator

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Screencast-O-Matic
    Record video on your screen or with a webcam.
    Download Or, Learn More About Screencast-O-Matic

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • LiteCam HD
    Record stunning HD quality videos from YouTube, Webcam, webinar...
    Download Or, Learn More About LiteCam HD

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Facebook Chat IM
    Chat with all your Facebook friends directly from your Desktop.
    Download Or, Learn More About Facebook Chat IM

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • HyperCam
    Capture and save sound and video clips under the AVI format.
    Download Or, Learn More About HyperCam

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • BSR Screen Recorder
    Capture video and audio of your desktop activities.
    Download Or, Learn More About BSR Screen Recorder

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • IceOp Camfrog Exten...
    Enhance your video chat rooms in Camfrog.
    Download Or, Learn More About IceOp Camfrog Extension

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Debut Video Capture...
    Record videos from your screen, webcam or other video devices o...
    Download Or, Learn More About Debut Video Capture Software

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Camtasia Studio
    Create and share training videos, presentations, and screencast...
    Download Or, Learn More About Camtasia Studio

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • HyperCam
    Record screen actions, video, and sound being played back on PC...
    Download Or, Learn More About HyperCam

    Installed

    Smart Install
All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    3.9 stars

    out of 1,888 votes

    • 5 star: 786
    • 4 star: 606
    • 3 star: 197
    • 2 star: 96
    • 1 star: 203
  • Current version:

    4.3 stars

    out of 9 votes

    • 5 star: 5
    • 4 star: 3
    • 3 star: 0
    • 2 star: 1
    • 1 star: 0
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-9 of 9

Results 1-9 of 9

Add Your Review

or Log in or create an account to post a review.
You are logged in as . Please submit your review for Skype 5.10.0.116
Add Your Review

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit your reply

Submit

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

cancel

E-mail this review

Submit cancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Submit cancel

Previous Versions:

Error

close

ERROR MESSAGE

If you think this is an error, please contact CNET TechTracker Support for further assistance.

Ok

Running Request

close

loading

Smart Install Software

close

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.

Proceed with Smart Install?

Confirm Standard Install Cancel

Submit a problem report for Skype

close

Please describe the problem you have with this software. This information will be sent to our editors for review.

Problem:

The CNET Installer isn't working as expected

The download link does not work

The software has a newer version

The software contains malware

Other

Description:

Please select a feedback type.

Please enter a description.

Submit Problem Report

Problem Report submitted

close

Thank you for submitting a problem report! The Download team is committed to providing you with accurate software information.

OK

Or, Learn More About Skype

Installed

Smart Install
Skype