Skype beta

A newer version of Skype is available.

Download the latest version | Learn more about Skype 3.8.0.180

(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)

Features

Popularity:
#1 in Web Phones & VoIP Software (out of 470 products)
Editor's Rating:
5.0 stars
Average User Rating:
4.0 stars (out of 768 votes) Rate it!
Downloads:
4,195,765
Requirements:
Windows 2000/XP
Limitations:
No limitations
Date Added:
September 11, 2003
Previous Versions:

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Publisher's description of Skype beta

From Skype:

Skype is the next phenomenon from the people who brought you Kazaa. Just like Kazaa, Skype uses P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you to other users--not to share files this time, but to talk for free with your friends. The technology is advanced but supersimple to use. You'll be making perfect-quality, free phone calls to your friends in no time.

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Editor's review of Skype beta

5.0 stars
"Slash your long-distance bills"

Getting in touch with friends and family is easy with this Internet telephone software, but the functionality is conditional. Skype offers a graphically pleasing interface that's much like a chat program. To make calls, you'll need to create a contact list of friends and family or use the phone-like interface to dial people directly. You also can access a pull-down menu for painless conference calls of up to four people. To make free calls, both parties will need to have the Skype software installed. To call regular phones, you'll need to sign up for a plan with SkypeOut, the developer's paid service that offers cheap by-the-minute calling. We like the intuitive chat-like interface of Skype and we were surprised at the excellent sound quality, even with regular desktop speakers. Similar to a chat client, you can set your availability status, but we also would like to see a missed call indicator or, better yet, some form of voice mail. Overall, we think Skype is a strong contender in the Internet Telephony category, and anyone who's interested in talking for free should give it a try. For international callers who have computers, this program is a no-brainer solution for long-distance bills.

User reviews of Skype beta

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Skype beta

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