Electronics
Make an online phone call
Introduction
Use your PC to make cheap calls over the internet with our step-by-step guide to Skype.
A number of companies offer internet-based voice calls but the best-known is Skype with over 100 million accounts worldwide. Calling from one Skype account to another is free; calling from your Skype account to a landline or mobile is very cheap.
Our guide takes beginners through the process of setting up and making a call with Skype.
Getting started
The system of making internet-based voice calls is known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP isn't a telephone replacement, however, as you can't dial 111.
To call Skype-to-Skype both parties must install the software. You'll also need a headset or phone connected to your PC's USB port (see our VoIP hardware guide for more information).
1. Download the Skype software
Install the Skype software by going to www.skype.com and clicking the Download icon at the top of the page.
Then click the Download button on the following page. In the File Download box, click Run. When the software has finished downloading, click Run again and finally Install to start the installation process.
2. Set up a Skype account
A pop-up box appears, where you enter your name and choose a Skype name and password.
Click Next, enter your email address and location, then click Sign In. This may take around one minute.
If your chosen Skype name is already in use, you'll be given a list of alternatives.
3. Installing a headset
To install a Skype headset plug the headset's red plug into the microphone socket and the green one into the headphone output.
4. Installing a dual-mode Skype phone
To set up a telephone handset, first install the software that comes with it.
Next, connect the phone's base station to a standard phone socket and a USB socket on your PC.
Plug both the handset charger and base station into the mains. When asked if the phone can access Skype, select Allow > OK.
Making a call
5. Make a free Skype call
The key selling point of this system is that Skype-to-Skype phone calls are free.
If you know the Skype name of the person you want to call, click the Contacts tab and then type their name into the box at the bottom of the main window - where it reads Enter the phone number in New Zealand or the Skype name.
Now click the big green button with the phone icon on it and, if the other person is online, Skype will connect you. Talk for as long as you like - it's free!
6. Find a Skype contact
If you don't know your friend's Skype name try searching for it in Skype's worldwide database.
Click the Search For Skype Users icon at the top of the main Skype window and then enter the name of the person you're looking for in the box next to the Search button.
Possible matches will appear below. Select the name you want, click Add Selected Contact and then OK.
7. Call a landline or mobile
Phone calls to landlines or mobile phones aren't free. You'll need to set up a SkypeOut account and buy credit in advance for these calls.
To set up an account click Start > All Programs > Skype > Skype > Account > Buy Skype Credit. Click Get Started and fill in the form, then Next again.
You'll receive an email with your Skype code. Paste this code into the box in the next window > click Next.
Fill in your credit card details to pay. In 15 minutes or so, you'll see your SkypeOut credits displayed at the top right hand side of the main Skype window.