Skype...what say you?

Skype works with nearly all computers and it shouldn't matter what ISP you have. The only software required is whatever comes with the computer (for the soundcard), the camera (camera drivers are supplied with the camera or are already built in to Windows) and the app which you download from Skype. The only requirement, if you want to use a cam, is that you have a reasonably fast Internet connection. Dial-up is really too slow. There are plenty of other alternatives to Skype. Yahoo and MSN both have free Messenger apps which support voice and camera. It's a while since I used any of them (and I never used Skype for video chat) but I do remember that Yahoo Messenger was a bit better than MSN (which is now Windows Live) Messenger. One of the cheapest ways of getting online in this way might be with a Netbook. They are cheap compared to a laptop and usually come with a webcam built into the lid/screen. They are neat, very portable and not really too tiny to use, even though they are smaller than an A4 file. I have a Samsung which cost me just over £200 (around $300) and I am very pleased with it. It has a better keyboard than my wife's Acer.

The good news? It works with all connections. Skype's a program like MSN Messenger and your browser: it doesn't need special software or a specific internet connection to run. However, you will need a fairly powerful computer and a good internet connection if you want to webcam with your family and talk to them often. Personally I prefer to use GTalk and MSN as I have personal issues with skype. If your family already has MSN, you might want to give that a try as MSN has the same webcam and voice conversation capabilities as Skype.

My computer is 3 years old and came with built in Webcam and Speakers. I've been on Skype for several years and this computer works well as a VOIP phone. I call my son in Canada from Texas. His regular land-line phone works well when connected to my computer. Sound is good and the cost is very reasonable. We can talk for half an hour for about 35 or 40 cents. When I'm connected with my youngest son in San Francisco its a video call. His computer is equipped with a webcam also, and we can see our 3 yr old Grandson playing with his toys as we chat. This call, computer to computer, is completely free! What a Deal!

Yes skype can be suitable and works in all computers you can have at home on in office as well!!You just download the skype software and you can soon call friends via skype,chat instantly,video chat conference and so on...You don't need special features to sue skype!!You just have a micorphone,headset,ok if you have webcam you can open video call chat instantly...it is easy to use we can compare to msn as well as regards the functionalities!!

I have been using the Skype for a long time since 2004. This helped me to keep in touch with my parents who are living abroad. Skype has the best video and audio clarity in the messenger industry. I bet no one (including yahoo or gtalk) can have the quality as the Skype have. They also offer the low plans for international calls. I use those to call my abroad friends. The rates are so low and I make minimum of a hour calling to my friends there.

hi coffebreak, as for me, skype is cool. its better than ym in file transfer and voice calls. but for usability and contact presentation ym is better. my two cents. :-) happy mylotting. :-)

Skype is a very good chatting software. You can use it to make PC-PC or PC-phone call. The PC-PC call is totally free. And the PC-phone call is not expensive. This is why I often use it to make an international call. You can download and install this software. As long as you have sound card and microphone, you can just make a call. It is as simple as any other chatting software. I love China

skype is good and I think works pretty universally. I don't know anything about the camera.

I haven't tried skype for myself, but at the office, when my boss is out of the country, he usually uses skype to check on us. I think it is very effective and a user friendly way of communication.

I'm not using it so much, but my older brother use it's like everyday. He's like an online teacher. He says everyday to me "Bro u need to use skype more, it really kick as ses". Well about the technical infos, it's just like the first guy said, it works with any connection and you'll only need and Operational System, an PC and Microphone + Camera =P

I regularly use skype to talk to my mother. I have a laptop with a webcam installed and I didn't need to buy anything extra to use skype. My mother has a desktop and I got her a headset so she could use skype. I would suggest you go directly to skype http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home/ download skype (it's free) and see if it works for you. I don't think you have anything to lose and you will find out on the site if you need to get anything else.

wow.hello friend . i have my own skype , and my skype name is enthusiasticone23 and i am an international trader in china. hope be your good friend in your skype list. thank you . and we could know so many good friend that from all over the world . and we could know that we dont ever know before. waiting for your early reply .

Yes for me skype is cool but it is alternative to me because I'm using YM for my chatting. Skype is easy to install and free to have from internet, you can both use cam and voice on the same time. There are two types of account - paid or free account. I think every internet messenger are all good it depends only the user, coputer speed and provider.... enjoy

I hav heard about it,but i haven't used it yet.