Category list

Chapter 2. Skype Quick Start

In This Chapter, You Learn How To:

D OWNLOAD AND INSTALL S KYPE
V ERIFY THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED
C REATE A S KYPE ACCOUNT
S ET YOUR INITIAL PREFERENCES
U SE S KYPE 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.

Process Overview

Here is a brief overview of the process of getting started:

1.	Download and install the appropriate Skype application program from the Skype Web site (www.skype.com).
2.	Register and create a Skype account.
3.	Plug in a headset, microphone and speakers , or phone that works with your computer.
4.	Test that your setup is working properly.
5.	Start making calls, sending IMs, or transferring files to your friends , family members , and business associates .

Equipment and Requirements

To get the best sound quality and to be able to take advantage of the advanced features in Skype, you need a reasonably fast computer, a head-set or a set of speakers and a microphone, and a broadband connection (DSL, cable, or high-speed cellular wireless). For best performance, your computer should have approximately the capabilities shown in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1. Recommended Configuration

	Operating System	Processor, RAM, and Hard Disk Space	Other
Windows PC	Windows 2000 or XP	1GHz	Full-duplex sound card (1998 or newer ). Headset or speakers and microphone.
		512MB RAM
		30MB free on hard disk	USB handset is optional.
Macintosh	Mac OS X 10.3 or newer	1.25GHz G3, G4, or G5	USB headset. Headset or speakers and microphone.
		512MB RAM
		30MB free on hard disk	VoIP phone is optional.

Download and Install Skype

To install Skype on your computer, simply download the Skype application from the Skype Web site, and follow the instructions in the installation wizard.

Here are the steps for downloading and installing Skype on Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. For detailed instructions and directions for installing in other operating systems, see Chapter 3.

Point your Web browser to www.skype.com to get the latest version of Skype.

Select the download menu, and click the icon appropriate for your operating system.
Save the installation file.
- Microsoft Windows users: Save the installation file ( Skype-Setup.exe ) to your computer, and double-click the file to start installing Skype.
- Mac OS X users: Double-click the Skype disk image mounted on your Desktop, and drag the Skype application to your Applications folder.
Launch Skype, and follow the Skype setup wizard.
Select a language, read the Skype license agreement, and accept the terms of the agreement.
Select Launch Skype to create a new Skype account.