Skype

Instructions on Getting Started (It’s Free!)

Note:If your laptop/computer does not include a video camera with sound you will need to buy a webcam with video and sound capabilities before using Skype.

Downloading

  1. Go to
  2. Click on “Get Skype” at the top of the website.
  3. You’ll see two options on the webpage: “Skype (Free)” or “Skype Premium”, Choose “Skype (Free)” and press the button that reads “Download Skype”.
  4. You will be prompted to create an account by providing a username, password and personal information. (Note: Skype is pretty picky about passwords so make sure to create one with both numbers and letters).
  5. Once you click “create account” it will either start to install or take you to a page which shows you how to begin installation. You will see a sentence in the top left-hand side of the screen which reads “Download hasn’t started? Try again”. Click it if your download in fact hasn’t started.
  6. You will click “Save File” when the Skype Setup Application pops up on your screen after which it should appear in your “Downloads” window.
  7. Double-click the SkypeSetup File in the “Downloads” window and click “run” to begin Skype installation- the installation should only take around 5 minutes.
  8. Once it is finished the Skype log-in window will pop up on your computer screen.

Logging-In For the First Time

  1. After downloading Skype, the log-in window should already be on your screen, if not, simply double-click on the Skype icon on your desktop.
  2. You’ll type in your newly-made username and password.
  3. Before you click the “sign-in” button, make sure that both boxes are checked under your log-in information (they should already be as a default). Doing this will ensure that every time you start your computer Skype will turn on as well and log you in to your Skype account, this will make things easier for you and you can change it later if you find it bothersome.
  4. Press the sign-in button and a screen will appear: this is your official Skype page.

Skype Tutorials

  1. On your Skype page there should be a bar that says “Learn How to Use Skype” and a button which reads “View Help Videos”-click on this button.
  2. There are videos on how to make calls, how to make video calls, how to find people on Skype and how to call landlines and mobiles- they are very helpful, so watch them to help you start the process of getting comfortable with Skype.
  3. Don’t be afraid to play around with everything and anything- Skype is very user-friendly.

Setting up Sound Equipment

  1. Underneath the tutorial video you will see the option “Set up your sound equipment”-click “Start”, this will test your microphone/sound, your video, and your speakers to make sure all of your calls will be of good quality.
  2. After pressing this button a new screen will pop up with three categories listed.
  3. These three categories read “Speakers”, “Microphone” and “Video”. Under each category you can press the “Test” button to see how if each category is working properly.
  4. Go through the steps as Skype prompts you.