This document provides an introduction to using Skype for communication. It outlines the requirements needed to use Skype, including a computer with webcam, microphone, and speakers. It then provides step-by-step instructions on downloading and installing Skype, setting up an account, configuring audio and video settings, adding contacts, making voice and video calls, chatting, updating profiles and managing status. It also describes how to use Skype to call landlines and mobiles using Skype credit.

1. An Introduction to Skype™
Target Audience:
This course is intended for new Skype™ Users. What you’ll need:
Requirements:
Students should have a Computer with webcam, microphone
and speakers.
Description:
This course will be an introduction to the world of Skype™ and
the many different ways to use Skype™ to communicate with
friends and family. Webcam Headset w/mic
Prerequisites: You’ll also need an Internet connection.
Basic computer knowledge is helpful.
Getting Started
1. If Skype™ is not currently installed on your computer go to http://www.skype.com
2. On the top of the home page, click on the Get Skype link.
3. This will redirect you to the download page. Click on the download now button.
4. Click the Get Skype for Computer button to download.
5. Once the application is done downloading, you will be prompted to click Run and then Install. This step
will install the application onto the computer and create a desktop icon for easy access to Skype™ in the
future.
Starting Skype™ for the First Time
1. Read through the End User Agreement and click Accept once you understand and if you agree to the
terms.
2. Choose a Skype™ name and password. Your Skype™ Name is like a phone number or email address. This
is the name that people will use to call you on Skype™.
3. A Skype™ name must be at least 6 characters in length. If the name is already in use, you will be asked to
try another name.
4. Enter your newly created username and password and the main screen will open up.
username password
Configuration
1. On the top menu, click on Call menu and select Audio Settings. Next to the microphone and speakers
you should see the model of your device. If these are not correct, click the drop down arrow and make
the appropriate selection.
2. Click the link to hear a welcome message and instructions to leave a message that will be replayed back to
you. *If you hear your own voice, Skype™ has been configured correctly.

2. Find a Friend
1. Click on the Contacts menu.
2. Select the Search for Skype™ users option from the Contacts menu.
3. A new search window will open where you can search for friends by name, email or any other
information listed in their Personal Profile.
4. To add a friend to your Contacts, simply select the name from the search results and click the Add
button.
How to Make a Call
1. Select a Skype™ Name from the Contact list.
2. Click the green Call button.
3. Hang up by clicking the Hang up button, put a call on hold by clicking the Hold button or mute a call by
clicking the Mute button.
4. A notification will go to the new contact, whereupon they will need to click on Add to Contacts, and
then you will be connected.
Making a Video Call
If you don’t have a built in webcam, make sure an external webcam is plugged into your computer, and that
any webcam software that shipped with the device is installed and the device is powered up.
1. In the Contact list, find the person you want to talk to. Click on their name.
2. In the main window, click the green Video Call button.
Answering a Call
1. If someone is calling you, the sound of a telephone ringing and a floating call window will appear on the
screen. Click on Answer to accept the call or Reject to decline it.
2. As soon as you decide to answer a call, a two-way voice conversation will begin and the duration of the
call will be visible. Either party can end the call at any time by clicking the red Hang up button.
Updating a Profile
1. Click on the Skype™ menu.
2. Click on Profile, which will open.
3. Click on Edit Your Profile.
4. Make any necessary changes.
5. Click on Update button to save changes.
Entering information in the personal profile is optional but your profile information will help people find
you on Skype™. Personal profile information is not stored by Skype™. However, it will be visible to other
Skype™ users.

3. Online Status
1. Your online status is shown in the status bar, located at the top of the Skype™ window to the left of your
user name. It looks like a green check mark if you are online. Change online status by clicking on the
status icon or by selecting Change Status from the Account menu.
Accepting Connection Requests
1. When another user adds you to his/her Contacts, a notification dialog box appears. If you click Add to
Contacts the user will be able to see when you are online.
2. If you Block the request, the user will not be connected. (Nothing is communicated back to the person
requesting authorization.)
Conversations
Instant Messaging (IM) or chat allows communication with other users via text messages.
1. Select a Skype™ Name from your Contact list.
2. Type a message in the message box which is located in the bottom-right of your window.
3. Click the blue chat button. This button looks like a bubble to the right of the message box.
Managing Chat History
Skype™ archives chats and stores them locally on your computer, if this option is enabled. Chat histories are
not stored anywhere on the Skype™ network.
No one else will be able to see any of your chat histories except you and the person you are chatting with.
Chats are archived as a convenience to you, so that you can easily keep track of your chat conversations on
Skype™.
Calling a Land Line
You will need credit to make a land line phone call.
1. Click on the Call Phones tab within Skype™.
2. Enter a phone number and click the green Call button to start chatting.
3. You can pay as you go, or have a monthly subscription to this service.
4. When a person answers, you are connected!
When you begin to run low on credit, it’s a quick trip back to your Account to top up.n
low on
credit, it’s a quick trip back to your Account to top up.
Skype Voicemail
Voicemail is included with the purchase of any Skype™subscription. Otherwise, it’s just $6 for 3 months
or $20 for a full year. Skype™ Credit is required to purchase voicemail. The same credit can used to call a
landline, mobile phones and send SMS directly from Skype™.
Voicemail on Skype™ functions the same way as a regular answering machine or mobile. Unanswered calls
are sent to your Skype™ voicemail and can be retrieved whenever you are signed in to Skype™.

4. Tips & Reminders
Skype™ is not a replacement for your ordinary telephone and can’t be used for emergency calling.
With a subscription, calls can be forwarded to landlines in any country within the subscription area at no
extra cost.
Get out there and start communicating with Skype™!
These materials are copyrighted with all rights are reserved. This document may not in whole or in part be copied, photocopied, reproduced, or reduced to any electronic
medium or machine-readable form without prior consent, in writing, from Zephyr Software Training Ltd. and Green Hectares Corp. Any software, computer, and product names
mentioned are manufacturer and publisher trademarks and are used only for the purpose of identification.
Skype is a registered trademark of Skype Technologies SA. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.