Sunday, May 1, 2011

MAY 2011 Computer Club Topic: SKYPE


May 2011. Since When Has 1 and 1 Equaled the Whole World ?
 
After a seven year gestation, SKYPE is a secret no longer. You and 560 million users of SKYPE can make phone and video calls at almost no cost everywhere. And now you can do this with a connection between computers.


Situation.  
Phone companies worry about putting copper wires everywhere: like on the corner of your block and throughout your house all the while making you pay for it. But the new generation, uses WiFi with aplomb. Turn on the wireless and the whole house is connected. This generation jump is the basis for your relief: make a call (it could be voice or video) anywhere at a very low cost...many times it is free. Although there are other similar services, none have expanded their base worldwide nor have they established their infrastructure of hardware and software to become the leader in VOIP (voice-over-Internet Protocol) for the masses.   

Some New Words, How It Is Done, What It Looks Like, When To Spend Money, Why do it?
·        VOIP. Wireless. Internet. Computer. Webcam.  
·        A demonstration – how to install.
·        Now everyone knows the color of your immies.
·        What’s this about money?

SKYPE (what it looks like, how it is done, why use it):

SKYPE tutorials:
·        Say it visually = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1mflr-kQlk
·        How to ... (7.5 minute tutorial)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pr7KnS54zg&feature=related

Other good links:
·        10 Ways seniors can use Skype http://blog.brightstarcare.com/bid/22716/10-Ways-Seniors-Can-Use-Skype

What do you have to do:
1.    Get an email address.
2.    Connect to the Internet.
3.    A webcam, a laptop with a camera or a tablet with a camera.
4.    Microphone, speaker or a microphone/speaker on the same laptop.
5.    Go to http://www.SKYPE.com; Get a login and password; Download SKYPE to your computer or laptop.
6.    Setup the software.
7.    Look for your relatives or friends and ask them to join the connection.

Why do it?  Why SKYPE?
  1. Stay in touch with home-bound friends and relatives.  Holiday virtual visits. Save travel time and costs by substituting some “virtual” visits.
  2. Enjoy dinner or conversation with distant friends.  Stay connected.
  3. Watch a TV show or baseball game together, with your Skype-connected friend by your side.
  4. Share a computer screen and discuss plans, edits, or changes to a document in real-time, rather than sending documents or e-mails back and forth.
  5. How do YOU use SKYPE?