Skype Tip Sheet—A Baker’s Dozen



Dr. Lela Vandenberg & Dr. Georgia PetersonMay, 2011Skype Tip Sheet—A Baker’s Dozen Q & AsSkype is a way to talk & listen to others, live, through your computer. It’s a wonderful alternative to conference calls—the sound is even better than phone, and it’s free. This paper provides answers to thirteen common questions about using Skype. It is intended as a refresher for those who have taken our one-hour hands-on orientation to Skype, but can also serve as a tool for those wanting to learn Skype on their own. If that is you, download Skype (it’s free) and create a username and password: click “Get Skype” and follow their instructions to open and run it.The ‘baker’s dozen’ answers include screen shots of Skype as seen by PC users. The look for Mac users is very different, so this paper may not be very helpful. Once you download Skype you can find some helpful short videos at the “View help videos” button on your home screen. The Q & As: How do I add people to my contact list? How do I set up audio and video? How do I set privacy preferences?What does ‘IM’ mean and how do I do it?How do I create a profile and add a picture? How do I make a call?How do I make a video call?How do I make a group call?How do I end a call?How do I find a previous conversation?How do I find a previous group conversation?How do I name a group?Can I receive a call if I’m not logged into Skype?How do I add people to my contact list? Click on the “Add a contact” button in the left column near the bottom of the Skype window.This “add a contact” window will appear. Enter a Skype name, full name or e-mail address to search for a contact. If you enter a full name, you will likely receive an extensive list of people from around the world with that name. Entering an e-mail address is a more specific way to find who you’re looking for. When you find the right person, click “Add.”How do I set up audio and video? You can use either a headset with a microphone (best), a stand-alone microphone with computer speakers, or a built-in microphone in your laptop. To check audio settings, go to the tools menu at the top of the Skype window and select “options…” This “Skype – options” window will appear.Click on the “Audio settings.” Make sure the microphone and speakers you want to use are selected. You will be able to determine the microphone’s sensitivity by looking at the volume bar; it should turn green as you speak. You may also test your mike by clicking on “make a free test call” near the bottom of the window. Next click on “Video settings” to select a camera for video calls.How do I set privacy preferences?Privacy preferences can also be set in the tools/options window. Click on the “privacy” button on the left side of the options window. You can allow calls from anyone, or just those whom you have accepted as contacts, by clicking on the corresponding button. The same applies for the instant messaging (IM) feature. What does ‘IM’ mean and how do I do it?Select a contact from your listType in the chat box and press ‘return’IM is the abbreviation for instant messaging. In your ‘Skype contacts’ list on the left, select the person or group you want to message. Or in your ‘Recent’ list, select the person or group you want to message. In the lower right corner of the main window, click in the typing box (or chat box), and type your message. Click the blue send message button, or just hit the Enter key on your keyboard.How do I create a profile and add a picture? Go to the Skype menu at the top of the Skype window. Select “profile” then “edit your profile…” How do I make a call?Select the person you want to call in your contact list. Then press ‘Call.’How do I make a video call?Follow the same procedure as above, but press “Video call.” The “Add people” button allows you bring others into your call or video call.How do I make a group call?Near the bottom of the left column click “Create a group.”A darker blue box will open on the top right of the screen. Click on the “Skype contacts” tab (upper left), then find the people you want to be part of the group and simply drag each one into the box. (You can also add people during a call and they will automatically be called and join the group.)Once you have your group formed, press “Call group”. Video calls are possible with up to 10 people, but there is a charge if you’re calling a group (no charge for a video call to a single person).How do I end a call?Press the red “End call” button. For group calls, participants can disconnect themselves from the call, but only the initiator of a group call can hang up the whole group.How do I find a previous conversation?In the upper left column, click on the “Recent” tab.How do I find a previous group conversation?Same as above.How do I name a group?Any member can name a group to which they belong. First find the group as instructed above. Right click on it, then scroll down to “Rename…” In the box that opens, type the name you choose and click “OK.”You can also name it and save it in your contact list by clicking “Save group in Contacts” above the group box. It will then be listed alphabetically under the “Contacts” tab.Can I receive a call if I’m not logged into Skype?No. You must have Skype open to receive calls. On your computer, double-click on the Skype icon on your desktop, or select start (in the lower left corner of your screen): All Programs > Skype to open the login window. You can have windows automatically log you in when you start your computer. To set that go to the tools menu at the top of the Skype window and select “Options…” ................
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