Generally, Skype users find the default settings are adequate and do not need to be adjusted.
2.
Select the General menu at the top of the list (if it is not already selected).
3.
Decide whether you want Skype to start a call or start a chat (IM session) when you double-click a contact; set your preferences for 'Away' and 'Not Available'; and click Save to save your changes.
'Away' and 'Not Available' represent a user's online status. Skype displays icons showing your online status so that other Skype users can know whether you are online and whether they can contact you.
4.
Select the Privacy menu.
5.
Decide whom you want to be allowed to call and IM (chat with) you.
When you are first using Skype, you may want to allow anyone to call or chat. You can always change these preferences at any time. If you are sure that you do not want people you may not know contacting you, opt to allow only the people from your Contacts List or only those you have authorized.
6.
Specify how long you want your chat histories kept, and click Save to save your changes.
Chat histories are saved locally on your computer and you can view a log of your messages if you choose to save the chat history.
7.
Select the Call Alerts menu.
8.
Specify how and when you want to be alerted in the event of an incoming call.
Select Ring PC Speaker to have Skype ring your speakers even if you have a headset plugged in, for example.
9.
Select the Chat Alerts menu.
10.
Specify how and when you want to be alerted in the event of an incoming chat; then click Save to save your changes.
11.
Repeat these instructions for any of the other types of preferences you want to set.
