Skype! Skype Brings the World together for Free
Communication Center!
Communication Revolution
It was about two years ago that my friend living in the Cayman Islands suggested that I sign up for Skype. She told me that as long as I could get on line with WIFI we could have free, endless conversations. Frankly I was very suspicious - there is no such thing as a free lunch! - but my suspicions were groundless. Within minutes I was signed up for Skype for free and up and rolling. Since then we have had endless, free, long distance conversations where ever we are on the planet . If the person you wish to speak to is not available, you may leave a message. The only drawback for friends and colleagues outside the USA is that they may be on a scheme where they get charged for bandwidth used so they may need to keep calls short. The call itself is still free.
Living as I do in the USA, it is wonderful to be able to reach my friends in Australia, New Zealand and Europe for free with Skype. Not only is it possible to speak, but with the addition of a cheap video cam, you can see each other as well. Wonders will never cease! As I have a Macbook, my computer has a built in video cam and speaker which makes it so easy to do this with Skype. However, you need to know where the off button is for the video in case your dress is incomplete or if you have forgotten to put your teeth in, need I go on! If your computer does not have a microphone/speaker built in the easiest solution is to buy a headset with attached boom microphone which is easily plugged in and away you go. The world is your oyster with Skype.
Other useful features include the ability to see when your friends or colleagues are on line. You can leave a visible message for all your contacts to read. You can also IM or leave a voicemail, Skype is pretty amazing isn't it?
Security is very important and for that reason, most computers have a firewall to protect them from hackers and other on line criminals. Skype works from behind the firewall and communication is still possible. Each person signed up to Skype has an encrypted code which gives total security.
For a small fee, Skype may be used to connect to a land line and in some countries, a cell phone or Ipod. This technology has revolutionized both personal and business communication around the world. In these difficult times Skype seems almost too good to be true. Even the ring tone is pleasant and clear. If you have loved ones at a distance or you carry out business over seas, sign up now! Oh! and grateful thanks to my friend who introduced me to Skype, this great money saving technology. This has revolutionised communication and made it affordable. Gone are the days when the phone bill reached four figures when I first left my friends in the UK. My cell phone bill is pretty high these days, but if I can only wait til I return home, I can indulge in a long, luxurious phone call with the bonus of being able to see my friend, where they live, the new baby, etc. etc. Long live Skype!
Skype continues to evolve. It is still free for the basic version and cheap to call landlines round the world. A recent upgrade allows you to send a video message using the IM feature. Today a friend posted a link to a youtube video of a choir dotted around the world joined together on Skype. how wonderful is that? What a blessing when you are parted from your loved ones. Skype is a whole new dimension in Life! Who would not love it?
