Forget Phones - Skype is Much Better

Alexander Graham Bell (the inventor of the telephone) may be turning in his grave, because the conventional phone seems like it’s on its way out. Skype is the latest and greatest way to communicate with anyone in the world for free via the internet.

To get started you will need some essential hardware. The most common method is to use a computer, but some smart phones have a Skype facility. With a computer you can either use a headset or a handset. The headset looks like a pair of headphones with an added microphone reaching in front of the wearer’s mouth. On the other hand the handset looks like a mobile phone, and is held to the ear in the conventional way.

If you are using Skype for long periods at a time your arm may ache if you have to hold the handset to your ear. Also you only have one hand free, so your typing may be a bit hampered. The solution is to get a headset which leave your hands free to type, write, cook, or whatever. Despite having to hold them handset, there are actually some pretty neat advantages. The buttons on the device allow you to accept or end calls, or to dial numbers – just like a normal phone really. It is very intuitive to use, so is ideal for beginners. It is generally more convenient to use the buttons on the handset than use a keyboard and mouse, and it allows you to leave your display switched off – saving electricity. I have seen handsets used to excellent effect in shops, where many short calls can be conveniently managed.

As I mentioned earlier, smart phones more and more are Skype enabled. The only drawback is that you need a Wi-Fi connection for it to work, but if you have one available you could save a fortune. Considering the high costs of mobile phone calls, many people have managed to justify buying an expensive smart phone, simply because of the free Skype calls.

Zach Hope is the author of Speed-Up-Windows-XP.com, a site that can teach anybody to speed up Windows to invigorate old computers. You can eliminate slow boot troubles today and transform your slow computer.