Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa

Skype | What is Skype and how do I use it?

• Skype is free to use
• Skype allows you to make calls to friends and family by using a computer - it's free as it uses the internet to connect
• Skype includes video conferencing (using a webcam and headset so you can see your friend as well as talk to and Instant Message them)

Quick Tips

• You need a Skype account - see "How do I join Skype?" below
• The person you wish to call needs a Skype account too, and you both need to be logged on to Skype at the same time to talk to each other
• Skype is installed on the APNK computers, YOU DON'T NEED TO DOWNLOAD IT FROM THEIR WEBSITE, you'll find a shortcut on the desktop and on the START menu

How do I join Skype?

• To use Skype you will need a Skype account which you can create (for free)
• Select Skype from the START menu
• Click on the "Don't have a Skype Name?" link under the Skype Name log on box
• Fill out the Create Account form
• Write down your Skype account and password and keep this info safe and secure
• Please note it usually takes a couple of minutes for Skype to sign you up and log on
• Your Skype name needs to be original - and there are millions of Skype users - consider using numbers after your name

How do I find my Skype buddies?

• Contact menu | Search for Skype users ... [use Add a contact if you already know your Skype buddy's email address/Skype account name]
• Search for Skype users allows you to search for your friend by name, country, city, etc.
• Once you have found your Skype friend click on Add Skype Contact and close the Search box - DON'T wait for Skype to stop search if your contact is listed
• Send your new contact a message to identify yourself
• Close the information screen regarding online / offline Contacts
• Your new contact should now be listed in your Skype console

You can import your contacts

• You can import your contacts from email by using the Skype, Tools, Import Contacts wizard.

How do I ring my Skype buddies?

• click on the contact of the person you wish to talk to
• click on the green phone button
• if you are receiving a Skype call a pop up window appears in the middle of the screen - from here you can click on Answer (or reject to not answer the call, or Chat to type your messages rather than using voice).

PLEASE NOTE:  Please allow from 2 to 5 minutes for Skype to "see" your online contacts
- you can still browse the internet while Skype logs on.

HEADSET INFO

Use the headset (microphone goes on the left side) to make Skype calls. You can video conference using the webcam (it's sitting on top of the screen and may need manually adjusting to get you in the picture). Once you have your Skype call session click on the blue Show My Video link from the main Skype console.

By default Skype is configured to use the headset (with mic) plugged into the back of the PC, and to use the Webcam and headset mic for video calls.

If you have plugged your own headset (with mic) into the front of the PC go to Skype - Tools, Options, Audio Settings and select Microphone HD Audio front mic from the drop down menu. Note: you do not need to remove the headset plugged into the back of the unit in order to use a headset plugged in at the front.

Troubleshooting - You can test this works by using the Echo / Sound Test service.

Did you know ...

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO SIGN OUT - When you close the Skype console window you still stay logged into Skype. Restart the PC or click Skype File "Sign Out" to really log off.

Conference calls - You can talk to more than one person using the Conference Call function with Skype. Note: this only works for audio not webcam/video. Go to Call, then Start Conference Call once logged in.

Chat | Instant Messaging You can chat with other Skype users - use the Chats menu "Start a Group Chat" from the Skype console.

See also -

• Chat
• I can't hear anything