Whilst searching around the web for a cheap telephone service, I found this article which led me to discover a telecommunications revelation, and thought it only fair to share it with you all! Sometimes technology can be a bit overwhelming, but other times it is exciting, easy to understand and extremely cost effective. Take for example Skype.

As an alternative form of telephone communication via the Internet, Skype is not only efficient and high quality, but also allows users to communicate with people around the world. Not a big deal at first glance, right? But when you look more closely, it is a big deal, because Skype allows users to communicate with other Skype users around the world completely free. In fact, Founders, Zennstrom and Friis set out to create something that would be user-friendly and cost effective and they’ve done exactly what they set out to do.

What Exactly is Skype?
No large phone or controlling computer companies are involved with Skype as Skype is a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) transmitted via the Internet. The setup allows users to speak to other Skype users anywhere in the world, but rather than using traditional phone numbers, users communicate via usernames.

Because Skype is free (to call other Skype users), Skype data centers are causing quite a stir among other broadband phone service providers. The reason? All Skype needs is your computer or pocket PC and users can intantly start communicating with people anywhere in the world and not pay a cent.

In addition to Skype’s standard features allowing users to talk free to other Skype users, it also allows conference calls with up to five users at a time all with the highest quality phone connection. Chats and file transfers are also included. Skype has optional services as well, which allow users to call traditional telephone numbers for a small fee in addition to receiving calls from traditional phones, but standard Skype communication is totally free.

How Skype Works
The operation is tied to a computer and uses standard telephone sounds. The big difference is that standard phone frequency is 300Hz to 3.4KHz, while Skype leverages transmission in digital voice and reliable broadband networks, transmitting the full frequency range of human hearing (20Hz to 20KHz). This is the reason Skype audio works so well.

As one of the easiest applications to implement, Skype is rapidly growing in popularity. In fact, it has grown so quickly that there has yet to be any marketing costs associated with Skype. Already more than 50 million people are registered users, with registered users growing by about 150,000 each day. Many of those millions that have already joined Skype, discovered it simply by word of mouth.
To implement Skype one simply has to follow a few easy steps and voila, anyone can talk free to someone anywhere in the world.

Download the software.
Install the software which automatically configures itself.
Registers as a Skype user.
Get a headset or USB telephone for your computer.
Locate another Skype user.
Click on a Skype Contact Name.
Start talking.

Security
Another important feature of Skype is that all calls are encrypted, which means that even if someone with bad intentions tried to tune in, they wouldn’t be able to hear the conversation because every Skype connection uses 256-bit encryption. In brief, when making a call to a regular phone, a call is encrypted until it reaches the “old” type of phone network. With Skype, the call is encrypted until it is routed on the Internet, so no one can intrude. Skype founders also claim their product is safe as it contains no spyware or any other nasty code that could potentially collect personal information about the user.

Some people have some security worries using Skype. Although the calls are encrypted, there is concern that it’s bound to gain the attention of hackers. Although Skype offers its own protection, it’s probably best for each person that uses Skype to include a personal firewall, anti-virus protection and anti-spyware just to be on the safe side.

Are There Drawbacks?
While the overall consensus is that Skype is hugely successful, especially because of its ease of use and no charge, there are a few drawbacks and some concerns.First, to be a Skype user, a computer must be turned on, and anyone calling must have Skype running on his or her system to receive a call. Another issue is that some users report bandwidth and CPU usage increases considerably, slowing their computers down when using other applications at the same time as using Skype.

Eventhough Skype offers it's own protection, some people still have some security worries using Skype, due to the nature of it's popular service it's bound to attract the attention of hackers. But then, It is always good practise to use a solid Firewall for any internet activity - because as long as you are on the web you are prone to hackers.

In Conclusion
While Skype will probably not ever be able to take over as the telecommunication of choice, Skype is definitely changing the way people are exchanging information. As a result, it looks like Skype is here to stay. And based on Skype’s overall past and present performance, it’s getting an excellent rating. As a useful, free and ingenious software for both individuals as well as companies, users will in all likelihood find it to be a very beneficial, cost effective and valuable tool that will probably continue growing and expanding around the world.

Article by Iggy Quazi director of E-commerce business Mouse2House based in Essex, England stocking a wide range of digital imaging devices. For more info see http://www.mouse2house.co.uk for the latest digital media products.