Make a Call to a Landline or Cell Phone (SkypeOut)

Skype-to-Skype calls are always free. To call someone outside the Skype network, you need to buy SkypeOut credit for your account. To get access to your account page, go to the Skype Web site. You can also get to your account page from Skype by choosing Tools > SkypeOut . (Mac users: Choose Account > SkypeOut .)

To buy SkypeOut credit, follow these steps:

That's all there is to it.

Note

SkypeOut numbers must be entered in the international format using a plus sign +, country code, area code, and number. A valid number in the United States, for example, would be +14085551212 (the country code is 1; the area code is 408; and the number is 5551212).

Start a Chat (Send an Instant Message)

The procedure for starting a chat (sending an IM) is similar to making a call. There are three ways to start a chat:

• Select a Skype Name in your Contacts list, and click the Chat icon in the Skype main window. (Mac users: Select a Skype Name, and click the Send IM icon.)

• Right-click a Skype Name, and select Start Chat from the context menu. (Mac users: Control-click a Skype Name, and select Send Instant Message from the context menu.)

• Double-click a Skype Name in your Contacts list (if you have configured Skype to start an IM versus a call). To do this, set your General preferences as described in "Set Your Preferences" earlier in this chapter.

You can start a multiperson chat by selecting multiple Skype Names in the Contacts list while holding down the Ctrl key and then clicking the Chat icon. (Mac users: Select multiple Skype Names while holding down the Command key and then click the Send IM icon.)

Transfer a File

The procedure for sending a file is similar to that for making a call or sending an IM. You can send files only to people who have authorized you, and the recipient of the file transfer must be online to accept the transfer before it can go through.

There are three ways to transfer a file:

• Select a Skype Name in your Contacts list, and click the Send File icon in the Skype main window.

• Right-click a Skype Name, and select Send File from the context menu. (Mac users: Control-click a Skype Name, and select Send File .)

• Alternatively, you can drag and drop a file into an open chat session.

Note

Skype allows system administrators to disable the file transfer capability. If the Skype application user interface for transferring files is grayed out, it means that someone has configured your Skype application to prevent you from sending or receiving files in this fashion. Refer to Appendix B or consult your system administrator for clarification or help.