Skype

[mumper]

Hi,

I've just been reading up about Skype, does anyone know if it's any good?

[kyber]

See http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=18245#18245

[mumper]

Thanks for that Stuart,

I'll still have to do some further reading on it I think, I'm not sure I fully understand it.

[MinuWeb]

I use all the skype services and am happy with them.

[chris1317]

Has anyone here replaced their home phone with skype and if so is it cheaper for calls?

I dont make many international calls and am just wondering if it is worth my while or not

Thanks
Chris.

[MinuWeb]

I wouldn't replace home phone as sometimes quality is not so good, I use it mainly for international calls to family and friends

[SmallBizSoftware]

Hey Mumper, what don't you understand I'll try to help.

Simple guide to VoIP (http://www.smalllbizsoftware.co.uk/voip.htm)

Graham

[mumper]

I got the impression it was similar to MSN Messenger and didn't know it included telephones as well - :oops:

[Mathew]

Mumper

Take a look at this.

http://www.needhelpmovingabroad.com/freecalls.asp

[kyber]

I got the impression it was similar to MSN Messenger and didn't know it included telephones as well - :oops:

No, Skype is an internet based telephone service (voice over IP) although is shares many characteristics with instant messaging and has an instant messaging and file exchange capability built in.

Most of the other voice over IP clients are less friendly in my view and far more phone service focused.

Skype is a peer-to-peer service, it uses the clients around the internet to handle most of the internet communications work (your client will move messages, encrypted and in the background) for other people. You can break out from Skype onto the telephone network (usually close to the call destination so only paying a local call charge) and can also buy your own number so people can call you from a regular telephone number and come through to you on Skype (without them even knowing).

Using a high quality USB phone handset with Skype improves call quality a lot.

Some alternative voice over IP (VoIP) services support the use of special phones that plug into your network (or your internet connection) directly and work for all other purposes just like another phone. You can get devices to connect your existing phones (or your DECT base stations) to the internet as well as the existing phone network and let you choose which network to call out on. This has the advantage of not needing you to connect through a computer. Your computer does not need to be on, just your internet connection.

Many VoIP services use a central infrastructure (rather than Skype's peer-to-peer) approach to connectivity between different parties and also between them and the standard telephone network. This generally costs more than the Skype approach but can provide better quality.

At present, there is no reliable emergency call service available with VoIP services. BT are working on this (they provide a VoIP service now). You do need to have a normal line as a fall back.

There are many alternative call carriers available now many of whom use the same VoIP capabilities (using up all that spare DOT COM capacity) but in the background so bit to your door is still handled by BT (or NTL, Clueless & Witless, etc.) but you only pay for line rental as your calls are carried/charged else where.

For example, we use call18866 and ALL UK calls to standard numbers cost us 2p. Yes. 2p. However long - that is the initial call charge and then it costs 0p per minute. That saves a lot of money.

Stuart

[mumper]

Mathew, thanks for that- it's suddenly a whole lot clearer to me - :D

[mumper]

Stuart, thank you as well, I'm not technically minded so I don't tend to take much notice when some new innovation hits the market. Skype does sound very good though, so I think I might give it a go.

Thanks again.

[The_JinJ]

Stuart, thank you as well, I'm not technically minded so I don't tend to take much notice when some new innovation hits the market. Skype does sound very good though, so I think I might give it a go.

Thanks again.

There are ways with real VOIP to get free in and outgoing calls - drop me a PM if you want some details.

[Stephen]

The_JinJ - you can't tease us like that!!!

[RockLinks]

Skype Rocks! :D

[graham]

No problems with skype.

I've had to do some telephone interviews and used skypeOut. Good quality. Be careful with non geographic numbers though, even 0845 is charged at a higher rate.

I also used Skylook.biz which records skype conversations in mp3 format. Many applications claim to record conversations but technically they can only record your microphone and not the other speaker.

I can see myself one day using skypeIn and skypeOut for most of my calls.

[Rob Holmes]

I have found the Skype in calls of lesser quality than skype to skype..

Anyone else found the same?

Rob

[Stephen]

Rob, yes; there's a note on their website "admitting" that Skype to/from PSTN isn't quite as good as Skype to Skype. The flexibility of SkypeIn does appeal though!

[Stephen]

Those that already know about this, please forgive me, but otherwise this might be of use...
http://www.jyve.com/

Amongst other things, it allows you to add a status button to a webpage indicating your Skype status. Sounds very useful to me, but haven't tried it yet. Would be interested to hear from anyone that has implemented it.

Steve

[RockLinks]

If you use SkypeIn and someone calls you from a mobile it can be very bad quality but from landlines ive never had a problem with it.

[chris1317]

Just thought id revive this thread as ive got a question

Has anyone got one of these and if so is it any good

http://www.dualphone.net/

Thanks
Chris

[coxadmin]

I can see myself one day using skypeIn and skypeOut for most of my calls.

So can I - it means you can be truly hands free as you speak to clients and review things for them.

[mta2005]

Hi,

Please try this: http://www.getconnected.ubifone.com :)