SKYPE is a free software application that allows users to make telephone calls over the Internet. You might have heard of the name or already are a heavy user of it.
I am compiling this list of Pros and Cons about SKYPE so that people who are still in two minds can decide whether or not to use this technology.
Pros:
- Easy to setup & use -
It is very easy to setup. The whole process of downloading, installing and joining SKYPE does not take more than 10 minutes. It does not ask you for much configuration at all. All you need is a microphone and an Internet connection. The use of software application is simple too.
- Free face-to-face Video Calls-
SKYPE lets you call anyone else on SKYPE absolutely free. My parents and sister (in Japan) are thankful to SKYPE for giving them the chance to watch my daughter (who is in Perth) grow up. Because there is no need to worry about time, distance or cost, we can stay connected with someone we love whenever they are. I use SKYPE to catch up with my friends in Japan from time to time too.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I have a netbook and always carry it whenever I go. It means that, whenever the location is, as long as there is an Internet access, I can do SKYPE calls from anywhere around the world for free.
- In-expensive calls to landline and mobile -
Calls to landlines and mobile phones can be made for a fee but at low per-minute rates. (to Japan-landline: US$0.026/minute) You can also send SMS to mobile phones via SKYPE. (No more hassles typing on a mobile!)
- Conference calls -
I frequently use this feature and find it awesome. Just to give you an idea, while I am at a hotel in Tasmania, Australia for business (5 hours by air from Perth), I call my wife & daughter (at home in Perth) via SKYPE. If my mother (in Japan) calls me at the same time for something to discuss with myself and my wife, she can join and start a conference call with Perth, Tasmania and Japan all connected.
Cons:
- Calls drop randomly –
Although it is not frequent, this can happen sometimes for some reasons. Much improvement over the recent years, and more advanced technology is always on the way.
- Background noise -
Unfortunately, this can happen sometimes. It is possibly due to wrong settings of microphone / speaker, or due to slow Internet access. Sometimes, there is so much background noise that you cannot hear what the other person is saying.
- Intrusive sometimes -
When you are online, other parties can see your contact. This can be intrusive. However, I personally leave it set to invisible unless I am truly in the mood for conversations.
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR MIND YET? IT'S FREE ANYWAY. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
2 comments:
Thank you for this Yasu, this was very informative. Probably I will also buy the program for Skype, I still also need to buy a microphone.
Actually, maybe I do not need to buy a microphone, because there is a built in camera and I think also a microphone with the Apple. This is how I made my funny little home movie with my grandsons.
It certainly must be lovely for your Mother and sister to enjoy watching your daughter singing and playing in her own home.
Keep these interesting articles coming, Peta
Hi, Peta. There is no need to buy program for SKYPE. It is free. With the Apple, all you need is to download SKYPE and create your account / password, then you are ready to do Video calls via SKYPE. It is that easy.
Looking forward to talking to you soon via SKYPE.
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