Summary of Major Features

This section provides a list of the major features and functions of Skype. You should be aware that new features and capabilities become available with each update of the Skype application. Check the Skype Web site from time to time for information on the most current release of Skype.

Note

The features listed in the following tables do not necessarily map directly to Skype's user interface or menu options. They provide an outline of what you can do with the Skype application, however.

Making Calls

Table 1-1 represents a summary of Skype's calling capabilities. For instructions on how to make calls, refer to Chapter 5.

Table 1-1. Features for Making Calls

Function	Feature	Allows You To
Making Calls	Call from Contacts	Select a Skype Name and start a call.
	Call from Dial Pad (SkypeOut)	Enter a number and start a call.
	Call from Received Calls	Select a received call and start a call.
	Search for Contacts	Search for Skype users on the global network using specific criteria.
	Display Contacts	See your personal list of contacts.
	Edit Profile	Change the profile information that other Skype users can see.
	Send a Contact	Send a Skype Name to another Skype user.
	Start a Conference Call	Select a group of contacts (or SkypeOut contacts) and start a conference call.
	Add Participants to a Conference Call	Add new people to an existing conference call.
	Start a Video Call	Select a Skype Name and start a video call.
	Start a Call within an IM Session	Click the Call button while chatting to start a call.
	View Call List	See a list of calls made and received, file transfers made and received, and voicemails received.

Receiving Calls

Table 1-2 represents a summary of Skype's support for receiving calls. For instructions on how to receive calls, refer to Chapter 5.

Table 1-2. Features for Receiving Calls

Function	Feature	Allows You To
Receiving Calls	Accept or Reject a Call	Answer, ignore, or send a call to voicemail.
	View Profile of Caller	See the profile information of a caller.
	Accept or Reject an Authorization	Accept or reject a request from another Skype user to see your online status.
	Block Calls from Unknown Callers	Block calls from people you don't know.
	Block Calls from Known Callers	Block calls from people you know but don't want to talk to.

Voicemail

Table 1-3 represents a summary of Skype's voicemail capabilities. For instructions on how to use Skype voicemail, refer to Chapter 5.

Table 1-3. Features for Configuring and Using Voicemail

Function	Feature	Allows You To
Voicemail	Record a Personal Greeting	Record a greeting in your own voice.
	Voice Messaging	Leave a message for anyone in the Skype network without having to ring him or her.
	Retrieve Voicemails	Listen to your voicemails.
	Delete Voicemails	Remove voicemail messages from your computer.

Setting Preferences

Table 1-4 represents a summary of Skype's capabilities related to setting preferences. For instructions on how to set your Skype preferences, refer to Chapter 4.

Table 1-4. Features Related to Setting Skype Preferences

Function	Feature	Allows You To
Setting Preferences	Change Online Status	Set your availability indicator for others to see.
	Configure Privacy Settings	Specify who can and cannot contact you.
	Configure Basic and Advanced Skype Settings	Specify how you want Skype to function.
	Configure Notifications	Set the way you want to be notified of a call, IM, or file transfer.
	Configure Sound Alerts	Specify when you want to hear audio alerts.
	Configure Sound Devices	Set which sound devices you want Skype to use if needed.
	Configure Video	Enable video and specify video privacy settings.
	Create Hotkeys	Create shortcut keystrokes for basic Skype operations, if desired.
	Configure Voicemail	Specify how you want voicemail to function.

Instant Messaging or Chat

Table 1-5 represents a summary of Skype's IM capabilities. For instructions on how to use Skype IM, refer to Chapter 5.

Table 1-5. Features for Sending and Receiving IMs or Chat

Function	Feature	Allows You To
Instant Messaging or Chat	Start a Chat Session	Send an IM to a Skype user.
	Start a Chat Session with a Group	Send an IM to a group of Skype users.
	Respond to an Instant Message	Receive an IM from another Skype user and reply to it.
	Set a Chat Topic	Name a chat with an individual or group of people.
	Bookmark a Chat	Keep a chat open and organized in a special place so you can correspond over long periods of time.
	View Chat History	See what has been written between you and a particular Skype user on a specific computer.
	Clear Chat History	Remove your chat history with a particular user from a specific computer.

Transferring Files

Table 1-6 represents a summary of Skype's file-transfer capabilities. For instructions on how to transfer files, refer to Chapter 5.

Table 1-6. Features for Transferring and Receiving Files

Function	Feature	Allows You To
Transferring Files	Transfer a File to an Individual	Send a file to another Skype user.
	Transfer a File to a Group	Send a file to a group of Skype users simultaneously.
	Transfer Multiple Files to an Individual	Send multiple files to another Skype user.
	Transfer Multiple Files to a Group	Send multiple files to multiple Skype users.
	Drag and Drop Files to Contacts List	Click a file and drag the icon over a contact to send a file.
	Drag and Drop Files into a Chat Session	Click a file and drag the icon into an ongoing chat session to send a file.
	Block All File Transfers	Network administrators can configure Skype to block all file transfers in Microsoft Windows.

Profile and Account Management

Table 1-7 and Table 1-8 summarize Skype's capabilities related to managing your Skype profile and account. For details on how to update your profile, refer to Chapter 4. For instructions on how to manage your account, see Chapter 5.

Table 1-7. Features for Managing Your Skype Profile

Function	Feature	Allows You To
Profile Management	Manage Public Profile Details	Add, change, or remove the profile information other Skype users can see.
	Manage Hidden Profile Details	Add or change e-mail addresses so others can find you. The e-mail addresses are kept private.
	Show Time	Display what time it is where you are.
	Show Number of Contacts	Display how many Skype contacts you have.
	Add a Picture to Your Profile	Upload any picture or graphic for other Skype users to see when they view your profile.
	Create Another Skype Account	Create additional Skype accounts with unique Skype Names for different purposes or personas.
	Import Contacts	Import existing contacts from existing contact management programs into Skype.

Table 1-8. Features for Managing Your Skype Account

Function	Feature	Allows You To
Account Management	Account Overview	See SkypeOut numbers called by month, a list of your Skype financial transactions, and your downloads; and purchase gift certificates.
	Account Settings	See the e-mail address you registered; and change your password, registered e-mail address, and displayed currency format.
	Call List	See SkypeOut numbers called by month.
	All My Purchases	Review a list of your Skype financial transactions.
	My Downloads	See any pictures, sounds, and other downloads.
	Gift Certificates	Learn about and purchase gift certificates.
	Purchase Skype Credit	Buy Skype credit so you can get Skype services and content, including SkypeOut so you can call regular telephone numbers using Skype.
	Purchase SkypeIn Subscription	Buy a number in a specific state or country so friends and colleagues can call you from a landline or cell phone.
	Redeem Vouchers	Use any vouchers you have received from Skype.
	Purchase Voicemail	Buy a voicemail subscription (if you don't have a SkypeIn number).
	View Account	See your purchase history and Skype account information.
	Purchase Accessories	Buy a Skype starter kit, headsets, phones, and Webcams.
	Create Another Skype Account	Create additional Skype accounts with unique Skype Names for different purposes or personas.
	Personalize Skype	Buy sounds, ringtones, and pictures; and make WeeMees.