Instant messaging can be slow. I mean, really, how fast can you really type? Then, along comes Skype. It rocks!
Skype is a program that allows you to make phone calls over the internet. You can call from your computer to another computer that is running Skype for free. You can also call a regular land line (or POTS line) for pocket change.
I'm not going to go deep into the technology behind Skype, because I haven't dug into it. But what I can tell you is that there's a lot of people using it! I see anywhere from 1 million to 2 million people online every day. I also get regular 'test' calls since I said 'Short test calls welcome' in my Skype profile.
One thing that can be a pain when you use Skype, due to the technology it works with, is that, when you search for a person online, you don't always get the same search results. To try and find someone, you have to submit the same search maybe 10 times before finding the user you were looking for. It's not entirely Skype's fault that this happens. It's also because, just like other instant messaging programs, people don't fill out their profile or lie in the profile and that causes trouble.
Go get Skype and install it today. Make sure to fill out your profile and then use it! It will save you money! Go buy a headset. Even though it works with just a microphone and speakers, to use it proficiently you need a headset.
One other nice thing to know is that Skype works on Linux and other operating systems as well. Check their website to see what operating systems they have builds for.
And, just in case you need to test Skype once you have it installed, call the user named 'echo123' before calling me. Just type 'echo123' into the bar close to the bottom of the window where it says 'Type Skype Name or number with country code'. It will help you determine if your microphone is working correctly.
After you have tested your microphone with 'echo123', you can give me a call. Do realise though that I am normally at work and, if I don't answer, I have a valid reason. I might be in a meeting or I might be 'in the zone' programming.
My Skype name is nitebyte. Give me a call sometime!