【How Skype Works】Step by Step Guide ▷ 2022

is another of the thousands of communication tool options available today. In a simple way, it can be said that it is a software for users to communicate quickly and easily. If you want to learn about the subject, in this post we will explain How does Skype work and how to make the most of all its tools?

While is true that with a large number of people, also has plans tailored to different needs. Consequently, throughout this post you will know its costs.

Finally, We will share a step-by-step guide on how the tool works and a list of the best alternatives. to make free video calls. Continue reading!.

What are the main functions and features that I should know about Skype?

Skype, As with other communication platforms, has a wide range of functionalities that facilitate and improve the experience of its users.

So that you have a general idea about it, we will share the most important ones that you should know:

Audio calls and HD video calls

One of the details most valued by people is the excellent image and audio quality that offers skype in your regular and video calls. This standard is maintained both in individual calls and in group ones. Additionally, you can have reactions while chatting.

smart messages

Through smart messages, you can react instantly to any type of message in a funny way or using @mentions to get the attention of another user. It is an entertaining alternative to enjoy Skype.

Call recording and live subtitles

If you want to capture special moments while a call is going on, this platform has the function of call recording. Also, it is worth noting that you can use live subtitles to read spoken conversations.

phone calls

skype provides affordable international calls to both landlines and mobilesso you can always keep in touch with your friends when they’re not online.

shared screen

You can easily share your photos, presentations or any other file on your screen on Skype, while you are on a call. All this is possible thanks to the screen sharing integration.

private conversations

This is a feature highly valued by most, as it allows you to keep your confidential calls private with a standard end-to-end encryption of the sector.

How does Skype work and what can we do from this open source platform?

One very interesting aspect of Skype that you may not have known is that works with P2P technology. This is the same one implemented by other popular download platforms such as Ares or . Through it, it is possible to achieve excellent sound quality and fluidity. With respect to direct voice communications between users, this platform uses a , or also known as VoIP either VoIP.

With it, voice signals are transformed into digital packets that are sent over the Internet. Another aspect worth knowing is that the app uses a proprietary protocol. Although users can use it for free, do not have the necessary permissions to modify the program. This occurs because its protocol and programming code are closed.

In the same order of ideas, it should be mentioned that despite keeping a closed source, is a communication tool used by millions of users around the world. It is characterized by have a protocol that executes an excellent understanding of the signalswithout affecting the quality of the transmissions.

Thanks to its wide popularity, new versions adapted to users using platforms other than Windows have been developed. Then, it is compatible with other operating systems such as macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. This resulted in the app being available for download on virtually any electronic device. From smartphones to tablets or computers, they may have Skype installed.

Skype plans and fees What are the different types of accounts I can have and how are they different?

Before talking about the Skype plans and fees, it is necessary to clarify what they are about. Specifically, the plans are monthly calling subscriptions with which people can make unlimited calls or with a fixed number of minutes to landlines.

It is worth mentioning that a plan is an excellent idea for those who need this service on a recurring basis. Also, each one of them renews automatically and allows you to save, compared to the prices of usual rates. With that point clear, Skype offers different prices and types of plans depending on the country you are in..

Below, find out what the costs of the most popular plans are according to the area you want to call:

North America: 7.80 euros per month. You have unlimited minutes to call landlines and mobile phones.
World: 15.60 euro. Includes unlimited minutes to mobiles and landlines.
USA: 3.60 euro. Includes unlimited minutes for mobiles or landlines.
United States and Canada: 4.80 euro. You have unlimited calls to landlines or mobile phones.

Learn step by step how Skype works and take your first steps in this Microsoft communications tool

Once you’re clear everything related to Skype and its working mechanism, you probably want to get down to business and enjoy the platform.

For this reason, we decided to share a basic guide for you to take your first steps in this tool:

Create Account

If you don’t have a Microsoft Skype account, you need to do the following:

In the sample of skype in the window, click the option.
Follow the instructions on the platform for your account to be created.

make video call

Locate the person the one you want to call on your mailing list Contacts.
Select the contact to call.
Press on the audio button (phone icon) or in the video button (camera icon).
In case of want to make a group calladd another participant.
Once the conversation is over, click on the button end call to hang.

send files

Sign in to Skype.
press in the tab
Select the contact to which you will send the file.
Inside the chat window, tap on the icon Send file.
Find the file on your hard drive and send it.

make group call

Go to the call list and press on it new call button or call an existing group.
If it’s a new call, select the participantsmaximum 100 (99 apart from yourself) that you want to include
Click on the button To call.

Search and add contacts

At the top of the window, click the magnifying glass icon. Choose people, groups & messages.
Inside the Search fieldtype the name, username, or email of the contact you want to add.
Pick that person in the search results and a chat window will open.
Call the phone number that you want to save
after the call, click the right mouse button or press and hold the number in the chat list.
Go to View profile.
Tap on Add contact.

List of the best alternatives to Skype to make free video calls over the Internet that you should know

If you don’t quite feel comfortable using Skype or you simply want to try other options, you should know that there are other platforms through which it is possible to make free video calls over the Internet.

Take into account the following:

discord

This is an alternative that has been positioned in recent times, especially within the gamer field. It is free and offers a limit of up to 50 people at the same time in a video call. It also has features such as screen sharing for tutorials, limiting the number of times a user can type, adding bots, games, and much more. However, you should know that not so easy to use due to the large number of features it offers.

hangouts

One of the best options to make free video calls over the Internet is Google Hangouts. Despite not being very popular among users, It is focused on the professional and personal fieldso it is an excellent idea to organize meetings online.

One of the points in its favor is that it is multiplatform and free. With it, you can talk to up to 10 people. As additional information, you should know that it not only works as a video call option, but you can also use it as an app to chat, share files, etc.

Google Duos

Apart from Hangouts, you can try with. This is a messaging and video calling app, which means that it has the features that you may require in the area. Works from any deviceThis means that it is compatible with many computers. Regarding the limit of participants, Google Duos allows you to contact up to eight people. So if you need to organize a group conference, you can do it without major problems.

The classic instant messaging platform, , It is an excellent option if you are looking to establish video calls with users for free. A big advantage of this is that practically everyone has WhatsApp installed on mobileso communicating through it will be very simple.

In its mobile version, you can organize video calls with other people. However, this option is not available in the version for computers. Therefore, it is recommended for more everyday aspects than work.

Zoom

This is another of the great competitions of skypesince it offers the possibility of executing video calls with up to 100 participants. So, if you have an important meeting with your entire work team or you simply want to contact many people, Zoom it will be of great help to you. If you opt for the paid version, the functionalities are taken to another level, allowing you to include up to 1,000 participants at a time. Due, It is a platform much more focused on the workplace.