'Talking Pictures' - Skype makes video calls E-Z

Have I written about Skype before? Well I'm writing about it now...

Skype is a great tool whether your friends and family are across the country or across town. Like Dick Tracy's (Who?) Radio-TV-Phone Watch, it puts you right in front of the person you're talking to, making a call much more personal, real & FUN than the phone is. Best of all: Skype calls from Computer to Computer are positively free...between here and...well, China, even.



Getting a Skype account is as simple as visiting Skype.com but to fully enjoy it, if you don't already have one, invest about $30-$50 in a decent webcam. These handy devices, available from your local office supply store, include a microphone and camera to transmit your voice and picture to people you choose to call.



Once you're set up you can search by name in Skype's contact directory to find family and friends who also have accounts. Once you send them an invitation to find you on Skype whenever it's 'open' you'll see if they're online and available to call. They can see you're on line too so either one of you can initiate a call and begin a 'video visit.'



Skype is simple and fast to learn to use. And it's become hugely popular. When I'm teaching a Skype class I'm always full with a waiting list. But if you aren't into taking a class you can learn most of what you need to know by visiting www.youtube.com and searching for 'How to use Skype'



Enjoy.


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