Skype For Dummies

by Loren Abdulezer, Susan Abdulezer, Howard Dammond

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

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

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.

Source: Dummies Store

Reviews

[David Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I read to research this post was Skype For Dummies which is a very good book which I read at http://safaribooksonline.com . Skype is a software program that lets you place phone calls from your computer at a reduced price and when you consider the signal that goes from a modem via the telephone cable is very similar to the signal sent via a phone down the telephone cable it makes a lot of sense. Many people use Skype to make video calls and conference calls which can connect up to 100 people at once. You ideally need broadband to use Skype as dial up networking runs a bit sluggish. It's free for Skype users to phone other Skype users even abroad and every user has a unique name and avator and has the option of creating a profile which is displayed to callers. Originally Skype was written by a Danish man who used it to found a company and it was bought for a huge amount of money which made him one of the richest men in Denmark & a billionaire. There is an add on called Pamela for voicemail and rerouting calls. There is also Pamela Pro which can be used to record podcasts in windows and these can be syndicated in RSS by a service like feedburner. You can record voice mail on an Apple Mac with voice recorder. Placing a call is quite simple with in Skype, you simply enter the number or user name and select enter or call. There is also a password but you can configure that to be stored on that machine. There are special Skype phones that function like a phone but you must feed the call via the computer. There is also Skype Out where you can buy credit in advance as and when needed. A lot of businesses use Skype because of the lower costs of making calls and of course they often route calls through a server with software like Microsoft Exchange Server. You generally do need a microphone and headphone to use Skype but many people use a webcam with built in microphone. It also integrates with some social networks and is a good alternative to Im. This book was published in 2007 so is a little dated but is a very interesting read.

[Sandra Brown]

I can't honestly say this has helped with any skype problems I've had.