Skype for Dummies

Here’s the fun and easy way to understand all the hype about Skype and make this cool alternative communication system work for you

People love Skype because it’s fairly simple to use, it’s free, it doesn’t have advertisements or pop-up screens, and its communications are encrypted and secure. If you want the ability to make free voice calls or want to maximize Skype and get the most out of this free global telephony system, you’ve come to the right place. All you need to get going with Skype is a computer with Internet access, a headset or microphone -- and this book!

Although the technology is simple, it has some complexities when you go beyond making simple calls. Skype For Dummies covers call forwarding, voice mail, and conference calling and explains the use of two very popular and important Skype features:

• SkypeIn: Receive telephone calls that you can answer through Skype on your computer
• SkypeOut: Make calls out to regular old telephones from your computer

This no-nonsense guide is written in plain English, leaving the jargon at the door. You’ll learn to

• Install and configure Skype on different platforms and various mobile connections
• Create a contacts list
• Set up voicemail and call forwarding
• Use Skype for worldwide conference calls and Skypecasting
• Enhance Skype with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi wireless, and video
• Change your Skype menus to a different language
• Adjust different hardware configurations and add-ons
• Troubleshoot problems with hardware configurations and other common issues

Skype For Dummies provides guidance on using this technology in a business setting, including some implementations that can help reduce support desk costs and automate surveys and interviews. A popular use of Skype is for video calling, and the book shows how you can easily install and configure this can’t-miss feature. A dedicated web site keeps the book up to date as Skype adds new features.

Additionally, you’ll discover ten ways to use Skype to promote your business and ten ways to use Skype at school. With an appendix on multilanguage support and another on tips and tricks, you won’t want to Skype anyone until you have your copy of Skype For Dummies in hand.

Loren Abdulezer is CEO and President of Evolving Technologies Corporation, a New York-based technology consulting firm. He is an experienced IT professional serving many Fortune 500 companies. Loren is the author of Excel Best Practices for Business and Escape from Excel Hell and served as technical editor of Crystal Xcelsius For Dummies, all published by Wiley. Loren is always exploring new technologies and finding pragmatic and innovative applications. When Skype came along he was quick to recognize its benefits in business and all walks of life. This book is a direct result of wanting to bring those benefits one step closer to a broader audience.

Susan Abdulezer is currently a full time Multimedia Developer in New York City. Susan creates interactive DVDs, documentaries, and Web-delivered media. She has received many honors for technology innovation, winning the prestigious Computerworld/Smithsonian Award in Technology and Academia in both 1996 and 1997. Susan has also written numerous feature articles on education and technology as the contributing editor of Converge Magazine from 1998 to 2002. Susan is active in the Digital Storytelling community, exploring the nature and power of the emerging digital culture. She has also been known to tear herself away from the computer to play classical violin in the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra.

Howard Dammond is an experienced IT professional and technical instructor, having consulted at several major Fortune 500 companies. Howard has 20-plus years of experience as a technical trainer and developer of innovative learning materials. His perspective on teaching and skills development was first inspired and then intensively developed at Yale University in its unique Master of Arts in Teaching program, where he focused on learning theory, the acquisition and nurture of analytic skills, and interdisciplinary methods of curriculum planning and development.