Tranter Banter

Skype is free software that lets you talk with another Skype user over the internet, anywhere in the world, for free or a very low fee.  Your computer, tablet or smart phone works as the phone.  You can call India for 2.2 cents a minute or China for 1.2 cents a minute.

The most common use for Skype is video calling. Using the camera on your computer to connect with the camera of another user.  This is the favorite Skype feature.  Parents can talk with their kids in other places.  Grandparents can keep current with grandchildren.  You can personally meet a new client and have “face time” without ever having to leave your office. 

Another popular feature of Skype is screen share.  This allows one person to use and control their computer while another watches.  This is particularly helpful if you are training or wish to share photos or videos.  The drawback to screen share is that the window is often small and it may be difficult to see fine print.

To find out more information or how to set this free software program up on your computer, simply visit www.skype.com.

Instead of using Skype, my kids prefer using oovoo.  No, that wasn’t a misspelling! The site is www.oovoo.com.    Oovoo says that you can video chat with up to 12 friends, send cool video messages, record and upload to youtube, use Instant Message and record your calls.  Visit their site for more information.