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Original poster

Please tell me about Skype

7 replies

tiredandgrumpy · 06/04/2011 18:28

It sounds like this would be a great way to keep the family in touch. Please tell me more - what equipment do I need, how easy is it to set up and is it reliable? Thank you.

OP posts:

chibi · 06/04/2011 18:32

you need a webcam which has a microphone built in, most do these days, they are around £30, and you need to set up a skype account, as does the person/people you wish to call

there are troubleshooting pages on the skype site

my mother uses word regularly, my father plays solitaire, that is the extent of their techno prowess, but we have managed to get it working - it is sooooo worth it, free phone calls to other skype accounts, plus the look on their face when they see the kids is priceless

do it!!

Original poster

tiredandgrumpy · 06/04/2011 20:48

Thank you. I'd hoped it would be as easy as that.

OP posts:

4little1s · 18/04/2011 09:02

We have using Skype for ages and it really is a simple as that...best of all its free if you use it just for one to one communication. I think if you want multiple people on it all at the same time like a conference or something you have to pay. Otherwise its free

Cattleprod · 18/04/2011 09:05

Bear in mind you'll get random family members popping up wanting to talk when you're mumsnetting using your computer. Also it's best not to use your computer naked, just in case.....

ben5 · 18/04/2011 09:09

it's great and really funny to begin with. ds2 wanted to post his pictures into the computer for grandparents to look at. he was 3.5 years at the time. we use it all the time to talk to people in UK. We are in oz

MmeSurvivedLent · 18/04/2011 09:10

Cattleprod
You can set it so that others don't know that you are online.

We use it all the time. Video calling with my parents in UK (we are abroad). I also pay for the telephone - so that I can call their normal phone or mobile phones through Skype.

It is very easy to set up. Some laptops have a built in webcam.

Original poster

tiredandgrumpy · 18/04/2011 22:14

I've gone ahead, got the webcam. Had a setback initially as our computer (a mac) doesn't support the most recent versions of skype. Was v exciting to video connect with family - next step is to fix it so the sound works! Will be perfect for sharing my newborn with gps and its cousins. Thanks for your advice!

OP posts:

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