How it works:
Sign up as a user with a user name and password. There is calling, video and messaging capabilities with Skype. You can call skype-to-skype, skype to phone, phone to skype, conference calls, group video chats and instant messaging that allows you to transfer files, text message and even link up to your Facebook news feed. You have your list of contacts and can see when they are online or not. And the best part, anything Skype-to-Skype, be it video or texting, is all free! Of course you can subscribe or just pay as you go to call phones from Skype, but its a much smaller fee than long distance phone bills.
You can pay per minute, per month or with Skype credit.
This is revolutionary for relationships, businesses and families particularly overseas where affordable communication is limited.
However, because the information is flowing through the internet and NOT encrypted, there could be some security issues with sensitive business information. Just FYI.
I used Skype all the time when I studied abroad for a semester. I would call my parents and the computer would ring through the house just like a phone. My dad thinks it's well designed because even computer-challenged people can use it, not that he's computer-challenged, but not everyone in the Garegnani household is so blessed. He thought it was great when I was abroad because my parents would have never heard from me otherwise, but I got to talk to them several times a week without spending a lot of money or waiting for untimely letters.
Skype is the only video chatting/calling program that has a free option thus far and dominates its market with its intuitive design that even grandparents can use.
