Chapter 2. Skype Quick Start

In This Chapter, You Learn How To:

• DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL SKYPE

• VERIFY THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED

• CREATE A SKYPE ACCOUNT

• SET YOUR INITIAL PREFERENCES

• USE SKYPE FOR THE FIRST TIME TO MAKE A CALL, SEND AN INSTANT MESSAGE (IM), AND TRANSFER A FILE

Downloading and installing Skype can be done successfully without instructions, but a summary of the process is included in this chapter to help you get you up and running quickly on Skype.

This chapter is for computer-savvy users who don't need detailed instructions. It summarizes Chapters 3 and 4, and covers installation procedures for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. For instructions on other operating systems (Linux and Pocket PC), please see Chapter 3

If you are a beginning computer user, someone who wants more detailed downloading and installing instructions, or someone who wants to install Skype on Linux or Pocket PC, please refer first to Chapter 3 and then to Chapter 4.

To install and run Skype, you generally don't need to know anything about networking, firewalls, routers, or other networking gear. You should be aware, however, that if you have a software firewall installed, you may have to reconfigure it to work with Skype. This is covered in Appendix C.