Skype

Skype Logo

Introduction

Skype is a chat program like many others you might already be using or know about. Examples: Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Messenger, Trillian, Google Talk, etc.

Getting Started

Check out the Skype feature list and then download and install Skype.

Settings

These are my Skype 3.x settings:

  • Profile - Be courteous to others by making sure your local time is set correctly. This allows others to see what time it is in your local time zone without having to manually look it up. Use the Date and Time web site to set the correct GMT for your location.
    My Skype Profile
  • Options (General) - The default settings are to start a call but starting a chat is much more convenient and less intrusive. Emoticons are great for lightening the mood. The default for “away” is five minutes but two minutes or less is a bit more descriptive. The default for “not available” is twenty minutes which is probably OK. I like a setting of thirty minutes as it allows more time between the “away” and “not available” change.
    Skype Options (General)
  • Options (Privacy) - Allowing chats from anyone is OK since there is no cost in doing this (unless you are constantly bombarded by annoying people). Allowing video chats should probably be left to those in your contact list unless you don’t mind exposing yourself to just any random Joe. I also show my status on my web page but if you don’t have a need for this, I would leave it off.
    Skype Options (Privacy)
  • Options (Notifications) - I like knowing what is going on and leave just about everything turned on.
    Skype Options (Notifications)
  • Options (Sounds) - The defaults are fine.
    Skype Options (Sounds)
  • Options (Sound Devices) -The defaults are fine.
    Skype Options (Sound Devices)
  • Options (Hotkeys) - I like hotkeys.
    Skype Options (Hotkeys)
  • Options (Connection) - The defaults are fine but make sure to change your port number to a unique number and then make sure that number gets priority on your router. For more information, see the “Improve Network Performance” link in the Tips and Tricks section below.
    Skype Options (Connection)
  • Options (Call Forwarding & Voicemail) - This is handy for when you are not signed into Skype but still want to allow people to call you via your cell phone when out and about. You just need to enter your cell phone number here. Once you have done this, you will appear others as an orange icon when not logged in.
    Skype Options (Call Forwarding and Voice Mail)
  • Options (Video) - The defaults are fine. Although you might want to control who should or should not see you.
    Skype Options (Video)
  • Options (Updates) - I like notifications and keeping things in control so I have Skype notify me and then I choose what should happen next.
    Skype Options (Updates)
  • Options (SMS Messages) - Just enable and enter your cell phone number to receive messages (assuming you have SMS support on your phone).
    Skype Options (SMS Messages)
  • Options (Advanced) -As you can see, I have everything set except for “automatically answer incoming calls”. I use Skype a lot so it makes sense to have it start when Windows does. I also like new chats windows popping up on top so I don’t miss handling them. One of the coolest features here is the pausing of Winamp (if you use it) when making or answering calls. Just one less thing to manage when enabled.
    Skype Options (Advanced)

Extras

You can enhance your Skype experience by downloading and installing extras. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Unyte - Allows you to remote control and screen share amongst computers.
  • Sketch Pad - An easy to use collaborative whiteboard in which you can sketch and share ideas as well as save them. Learn more about it here.
  • Pamela - Enables you to record voice conversations along with note taking capabilities. It also has voice mail and auto-reply message capability when you are not at your computer.

Command Line Options

  • /nosplash - disables the Skype splash screen on start up.
  • /minimized - minimizes Skype to system tray on start up.
  • /callto:(nameornumber) - calls the specified Skype Name or SkypeOut number.
  • /sendto:(name) (path to file) - sends the specified file to the specified Skype Name.
  • /shutdown - closes Skype

Hidden Emoticons

Hidden Skype Emoticons

One more, not listed above, is: (heidy).

Statistics

Curious about what resources the Skype program uses when running on my machine, I have started capturing some usage statistics. Download and watch my video capture the Skype program process (49 seconds, 9KB) as taken from Process Explorer. Watch the CPU usuage as it hovers around 50% usage while I have a video chat with another user (in this case, I was the only one sending video). Here is an explanation of what you will be looking at:

Skype Statistic

These stats were taken from a machine with the following settings:

  • CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2700+ (2.1 GHz)
  • RAM: 1GB
  • OS: Windows XP Professional
  • Skype: 2.5.0.130

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