Skype

=Skype - a suitable tool for communication=

A good communication is important for involving students in projects. E-mails, forums and other systems can be used to communicate with each other.

One of the best methods is a video conference.

What do I need for an video conference? - Headset - Webcam - ADSL or a faster internet connection - Chat Tool which supports video conferences

A verry good video conference tool is Skype. It can be used for normal chating, audio connections and video conferences. This article is about installing, configuring and using Skype.

__**1. Download and installation**__

Skype is available in serveral languages. You can download the tool at http://www.skype.com/intl/ I think you know how to install tools like this. Next, Next, ... , Finish ;-)

__**2. Account creation**__

You'll now see a window like this:

Step 1: Click "Don't have a Skype Name?" Step 2: Fill in your full name (example: Michael Lux) Step 3: Fill in the name you like to be called in Skype (example: michael.lux) Step 4: Type in a password and repeat your password. Step 5: Check "Yes I have read and accept..." Step 6: Click "Next >" Step 7: You mustn't type in your e-mail adress, but you should do it if you may forget your password. Step 8: Uncheck "Yes, send me Skype news and special offers" Step 9: Choose your Country/Region Step 10: Type in the town/village where you live Step 11: Click "Sign In"

__**3. Configuration**__

Welcome to Skype!

Open Tools/Options... in the menu.

"Allow calls from" -> Set "only people from my Contacts" "Allow chats from" -> Set "only people from my Contacts" Choose the history level -> forever - no history If you're using a webcam, check "Enable Skype Video", if not disable this option If you aren't using an uninstaller, choose "Download automatically" at both options
 * - Privacy:**
 * - Video (BETA):**
 * - Updates:**

Click "Save". The other options like Sounds, Notifications, etc. aren't verry important. You can configure them later.

__**4. Invite people**__

Step 1: Click button "Add Contact" Step 2: Type in Skype name, Full name or e-mail adress of the person Step 3: Search the person you want to invite and double click on this item Step 4: Click "Add Contact" Step 5: Enter a message to introduce yourself Step 6: Right-click on the person's Skype name in your Contacts Step 7: Click "Request Contact Details" Step 8: Enter a message to introduce yourself again

Now you've invited the person. You have to wait now until the person has allowed you to add them to your Contacts.

__**5. Actions**__

Double-click on a person starts a Call (Headset required!) or Chat. (Can be chosen at General Options.) Right-click/Start Call -> Starts a voice chat (Headset required!) Right-click/Start Chat -> Starts a chat session

The usage of a webcam can be controlled in the Video (BETA) Options or during a voice chat.

__**6. Conferences**__

I think that "true conferences" are chats, talks or talks with video among more than 2 persons.

You can invite more persons in a chat by clicking "Add" under a conference. You can invite more persons to an voice or video conference by phoning a third or fourth person under a call with an other person/other persons.

Michael Lux, student of grade 9 from Realschule Regenstauf