using_skype

Skype is pitched as a way to make phone calls from computer to computer. It's pretty good at that. It also does video from computer to computer if you really get into it. Don't worry about any of that right now, because neither are it's most useful features. 
 * About Skype** [[image:Skype_-_Ijohnpederson-1.jpg align="right"]]
 * 1) Skype's most basic use is an indicator of "presence". I get a nice scan of all my peeps and whether they are available for harassment. I also get to control whether or not I want to be harassed.
 * 2) Skype also works really well as an Instant Messaging client. It works on both Mac and Windows. It's great for 1 on 1 chat or inviting a small group of folks together to talk behind a presenter in an aweful meeting build upon whats being taught or presented. Collaborative notetaking. Constructive criticism. Discussion.
 * 3) Skype makes calls. Computer to computer free. Computer to phone cheap.

Get Involved
Lather, rinse, repeat. Talk to the person next to you. Add them.
 * 1) Download Skype. http://www.skype.com/download/
 * 2) You need to register an account name. Make a deal with yourself right now that this will be the username and password for the rest of your world.
 * 3) Once you are signed in, you need friends. Invite me! Under the "Contacts" menu is an option for "Add Contacts". I'm iscottanderson or Scott Anderson
 * 4) Once you request my "approval", I get a little message to finish this transaction.

Tips and Tricks
I go straight to my preferences and tweak a few things. If You Are Into the Voice Thing... Getting brave? Assess your computer situation. You need something to speak into and something to hear with. Laptop computers have built-in microphones and speakers these days. The is by far the easiest solution, but not always the best. In a voice conversation the other persons' voice comes shooting out your speakers and is picked back up by your own microphone and resent to them. This causes feedback, echoing, and poor call quality. It also makes wolves howl. Get some headphones with a microphone. You'll eventually get over the dork factor. It may take pretending you are Judy Jetson for a bit before you are comfortable. I really like Logitech's offerings for headphones. Grab a set of USB headphones on [|Amazon]. They are comfy and have good sound quality. Tip: When using headsets, you need to take a deep breath, relax, and know where the sound settings on your computer are located. Your input and output settings need to somehow relate to the brand/model of headphones you are using. If you are sure you have it right, check the preference of Skype and make sure that Skype has the info correct as well.
 * 1) There's a setting that tell your computer to either a) start a phone call or b) start a chat when you click on somebody's name. I really like "start a chat" better.
 * 2) Find a little setting to "automatically start skype when your computer starts".

Tutorial created by [|John Pederson] remixed by [|Scott Anderson].