Pamela Vanden Bos

     Rachael Ray does it; Oprah does it, and so does Good Morning America. I’m talking about using Skype.

What is Skype: Skype is a software application that allows you to video-chat or make free internet phone calls.

Why They Skype: On TV, they may use Skype to video-chat with a person in New Mexico while the show is airing live in New York. That way the guest does not have to fly across the country, they only have to hook up their computer and sign into Skype. One of the rewards of Skype is the great video and audio quality.

Why I Skype: On Thanksgiving Day, my daughter was making her first turkey dinner for her in-laws.  I signed on to Skype and so did my daughter. I sat in my living room in Alabama with my laptop, while she was in her Seattle kitchen with her laptop sitting on the countertop and I could totally see and guide her step-by-step through making her first Thanksgiving dinner. (By the way, the food turned out melt in your mouth perfect, of course.)  

Another time I needed training on the software Kompozer. Instruction over the phone was too confusing for me. Therefore, the trainer and I both connected to Skype, I turned my webcam towards my computer screen so that the trainer could watch my every move. It worked perfectly and the sound is excellent.

How to Get Skype: Go to www.skype.com to install Skype on your computer. I only use the free features although they do offer other options for a price. The download is easy and they walk you through it.

Other Video-Audio Requirements: To utilize the video chat option you must have a built-in microphone and camera on your computer or have a web-cam. In addition, you both need to be signed into Skype in order to see each other as you chat.

Free Long Distance Calls:  Make a free phone call to anyone. If you have Skype and sign into your account, Skype will make the phone call. That person receives the call on their phone just like any other phone call. They do not have to be on Skype to receive it. Example: I’m on my computer with my webcam connected. I want to call my son. I type in his work number and he answers. We cannot see each other because I’m actually talking through my computer to him on his phone at work. It’s so cool. 

       Yeah, I use to use a different video-chat service, was totally disappointed in the picture quality, and lost calls. Although I’m not one of the big-dogs like Rachael Ray or Oprah, I wanted the best too, so I switched over to Skype. What are you waiting for?