What Skype Is And How It Works

If you have lived abroad for some time in the mid-  2000s,  Skype has been for some time the only (or at least the most effective) possibility to make a call (and later a video call) for free with relatives or friends (but even regular calls at moderate prices). Since then, technological eras have passed, webcams allow us to see the interlocutor much better, smartphones have arrived, and video calling programs have become increasingly numerous.

But despite the large array of contenders ( Zoom,  Google Meet,  FaceTime, and many others), with over a billion downloads,  Skype remains a favorite. First of all, because it is integrated into  Windows, and secondly because it still offers options for “old-fashioned” calls to landlines and mobiles at almost unbeatable rates. Let’s see how to use this fantastic program on the web, mobile, and computer, also analyzing some exceptional cases such as group calls and the business version

What Is Skype, And What Is It For

Skype is a VoIP service (i.e., a service that allows voice transmission over the Internet) that will enable people to make and receive free voice and video calls over the Internet, using a web browser or application on a computer, tablet, or mobile phone.

But it allows you to call friends, relatives, or colleagues (a phenomenon that exploded with the pandemic, to say the least) and make calls on fixed and mobile phones, national and international (and SMS) at truly competitive rates. Obviously, in the case of in-app calls or through Skype, it’s all free, while for the rates, look at the last paragraph. In the infographic below, you can see all the features of Skype.

How Skype Web Works

Let’s get to know the version of Skype for the web, the most straightforward and immediate that does not require you to download any program on your computer or app on tablets and smartphones. Microsoft has removed some features from the web version, going to benefit the desktop one. Still, you can very well make a group video call comfortably from your browser, for free and without registration. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the address
2. Generate the link by clicking on Create a free video call
3. Share the connection with the link  and start the video call 
4. Click on Join video call
5. You consent to the use of a webcam and microphone
6. Speak!

On the screen, you will see at the bottom center the buttons to interrupt the call (in red ), the video camera, or the microphone. In the center are the cards with the various participants. At the bottom, left are buttons to invite other people, record the conversation, or activate subtitles.

At the bottom right, you will find the buttons to start the chat, raise your hand (so draw attention to yourself without interrupting others), or react. Skype has a limit of 100 participants and 24 hours of conversation. You can record conversations, share your screen, and blur the background. For those who want, you can also register, which allows you to chat with your contacts and much more.

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How Skype Works On Mobile / Tablet

Let’s see how  Skype works on mobile or tablet (the same operation), Android, or Apple. The cross-platform experience is very similar, so the Skype app works the same for everyone.

Android

To use Skype on an Android smartphone or tablet, you need to create or use a Microsoft account, do the following:

1. Download and install the application from the Play Store
2. Start the app (from the Play Store) or click on the home or app drawer icon.
3. Click on Start
4. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create one by clicking Create Microsoft Account
   1. in the second case, follow the instructions, enter your data, and email
5. Permit to use a webcam and microphone.
6. Permit to access contacts.
7. Now you will have the Skype page. At the bottom are four tabs: Chat, Calls, Contacts, and Notifications. The contacts are marked with colored dots:

1. green dot: users online on Skype
2. yellow dot: users not at the computer
3. red dot: busy user who will not receive notifications

1. You can set your status by clicking on your avatar in the top center.
2. To start a video call, click on Calls.
3. You can choose either your contact or click on the camera icon at the top right (Instant meeting)
4. This will open a page with a link to share with others. Once sent, you and the people connected can talk on screen.

iPhone / iPad

Let’s see how to use Skype on Apple’s mobile devices, iPhone and iPad.

1. Install the app from the App Store
2. Click on Start
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create one by clicking Create Microsoft Account  
   1. In the second case, follow the instructions on the screen, giving your details, name, surname, and email.
4. Grant access to microphone and camera
5. Grant access to contacts (optional but more convenient)
6. You will now have a page with four tabs at the bottom, like the Android version: Chats, Calls, Contacts, and Notifications. The contacts are marked with colored dots:

1. green dot: users online on Skype
2. yellow dot: users not at the computer
3. red dot: busy user who will not receive notifications

1. You can set your status by clicking on your avatar in the top center.
2. You can start a video call with your contact by clicking on Calls.
3. or if you click on the video camera icon at the top right, you will be redirected to another page
4. Click on Start new meeting.
5. You will have a link you can send to whoever you want to start a video call.

How Skype On PC Works

Of course, Skype is also available on computers. Also, in this case, as for the mobile versions, you must log in with your Microsoft account (or create one). Let’s see how to use the program on a Windows PC or Mac.

Windows

Skype is already pre-installed on Windows computers, so you all have to start it. 

1. Click on Start and select the skype icon (or press the Win key and type Skype in the search field)
2. You can use the Microsoft account associated with your computer or sign in with another one (or create one)
3. You give consent for the use of a microphone and webcam.
4. Give consent to sync contacts.
5. Now you will find a page with the Contacts section on the left. The contacts are marked with colored dots:

1. green dot: users online on Skype
2. yellow dot: users not at the computer
3. red dot: busy user who will not receive notifications

1. You can set your status by clicking on your avatar in the top center.
2. As with Android and iPhone, you can start a video call directly from the contact field or by selecting the Calls tab.
3. Or you can join a meeting by pressing Join Meeting and choosing whether to start it or hook it (with the link provided)
4. Alternatively, you can write messages in the Chats tab.

Mac

Skype for Mac is very similar to the Windows version.

1. You can download it.
2. Start the program
3. Click on Start
4. Log in with an account or create one.
5. Permit microphone and webcam.
6. At this point, you will find yourself in front of the interface with the contacts on the left and the Chat, Calls, Notifications tabs above.
7. In the center, you will find the options to join a meeting, organize it, or join with the link provided

How Skype For Business Works

Skype for Business is a version of Skype dedicated to communication between colleagues and employees and is integrated into the Office Business package. Its main features are:

1. instant messaging conversations, voice calls, and video calls for up to 250 people
2. integrated Office package
3. Meeting planning, attendance, and recording.
4. screen and files shared during meetings (with the ability to grant screen control)
5. blackboard
6. online file storage up to 1TB

Skype for Business has its site with an introductory guide that delves into aspects of collaboration for businesses. Skype for Business Online was retired in 2021, while the desktop version (Windows and Mac) of the program is only for intra-company communication (therefore between users with the same Microsoft Office Business account). For communications outside the company, Microsoft suggests using regular Skype or upgrading the plan and purchasing a Phone System for National and International projects.

How Skype For Group Video Calling Works

Skype allows you to quickly make group video calls from within the app, add contacts or give a conversation link to multiple people. With the Skype app, you can organize group video calls for up to 100 people for free on any mobile device, tablet, or computer, for 24 hours, with the possibility of screen sharing, recording, and background blur. 

Alternatively, the service also offers Instant Meeting, which allows you to make a group video call without registering or installing programs directly from the browser. To start the call, press the camera button at the top right in the Skype app. From here, you can host a meeting or join a meeting, name the meeting, and add a custom title. 

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