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Skype newbie questions - 11/30/2013 6:13:44 AM

DOM68005

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My new smart TV has Skype. Some people that I view on the other side say they like SKYPE as a possible follow-up method.

I have never used SKPE. I would appreciate a SKYPE 101:
costs for a low level user
how to setup.
how well has it worked for you?
Would you use a Smart TV or a laptop?
I'm not sure what else to ask.

Thank you in advance.

< Message edited by DOM68005 -- 11/30/2013 6:14:39 AM >

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RE: Skype newbie questions - 11/30/2013 6:41:48 AM

muhly22222

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To my knowledge, Skype is free, unless you're trying to call an actual phone number with it.

While the procedure for setup may be different with a Smart TV, if it's on your computer, you simply download the program and install it.

I've had several Skype chats, and the only time I've had a problem was when the other person's computer was a little bit too slow to handle the software. In general, it works pretty well. I think the biggest "problem" with Skype from CM users is user error...they expect people to jump on Skype before they want to commit to a video chat (unlike chatting via text on Yahoo, you can't really do anything else during a video chat).

I'm really not sure what I would use, not having a Smart TV...my laptop has always been good enough for me.

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RE: Skype newbie questions - 11/30/2013 9:12:46 AM

DesFIP

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The Man wants to learn to use skype to talk to his grandkids. Neither he nor his daughter know how to use it though. I found this but haven't read through it yet. http://www.gcflearnfree.org/skype

Most of the other how to I looked at seemed to expect you to be familiar with it though. I'm hoping this is for a total newbie.

We could get my son to set it up for us, but I don't know if his grandson (preteen) can do it for his mom.

OP, the easiest way is if you have a friend or neighbor with a teenager. They can set it up and teach you. And they work cheap, pizza or cookies usually.

< Message edited by DesFIP -- 11/30/2013 9:13:43 AM >

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RE: Skype newbie questions - 11/30/2013 9:18:27 AM

DaddySatyr

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I don't know much about the TV version but I assume it's an app., like the one that goes on smart phones.

As someone else said; Skype is free unless you wish to call phones or cell phones.

I would be willing to help as much as I can as I have been using the program since 2000 (before microcrap bought it and fucked it up).

Message me, on the other side, if you like.

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RE: Skype newbie questions - 11/30/2013 1:24:46 PM

DOM68005

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Thanks to all who responded.
DesFIP - that link looks like a lot of what I needed. Thanks

< Message edited by DOM68005 -- 11/30/2013 1:31:06 PM >

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RE: Skype newbie questions - 11/30/2013 10:00:12 PM

MercTech

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Skype is the original VOIP telephone application.

The software is free.
Computer to computer calls are free.
Calls to a land line can be billed by the minute or.... you can get a plan.
You can have a phone number for incoming calls from mobile phones or land lines if you like.
There is actually an app so you can make skype calls from your mobile phone... i.e. don't use your minutes when you have wifi at Panera or the Scottish resturant.

I've used Skype for a business phone line for almost a decade now.
Incoming phone line coupled with unlimited outgoing calls to North America (includes Canada, Mexico, Alaska, but not Hawaii) costs me $68.00 US a YEAR! Take your $30 a month and you know what Vonage.
I can be on my portable skype phone sync'd to hotel wifi and it looks to the caller just like they were calling at home... or, I can make calls from my computer.

There is an add-on application that, for a fee, lets you send and receive faxes via your Skype account.

Skype is very handy for coordinating an event with people from all across the country. All in chat, sharing url's and info via chat function. It is what Microsoft Netmeeting was supposed to be.

At the moment I'm waiting to see if Mickey$oft is going to muck up a really great service.

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RE: Skype newbie questions - 12/1/2013 6:41:56 AM

Darkfeather

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Yep, since Microsoft merged with Skype, it is now packaged with all their new windows OS devices and downloadable for any existing ones. The app version runs exactly the same as the computer version, free to use for basic features. Interface and specifics (switching to different people, starting chats, etc) are all going to be device specific. Your tv isn't going to be touchscreen after all. But each will have a help menu

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