skype.com

Skype is what’s known as a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) client; in other words, it makes phone calls via the internet as opposed to the traditional means used by the phone companies. Assuming you have broadband, you can use a Skype account to make free computer-to-computer calls – with or without video – to anyone, anywhere in the world, who also has a Skype account. You can also pay to call regular landlines and mobile phones. This can be very useful if your home phone is often in use, effectively providing a second line without any standing charge. Potentially, it can also slash your phone bills, especially if you regularly call long distance.    

There are even mobile Skype apps available for various handset platforms (the iPhone app is pictured to the left), though mobile network providers are understandably reluctant to let Skype traffic use their data networks, so expect only to use such apps over a Wi-Fi network.

Skype also gives you a means of instant messaging from both the desktop and mobile versions, in the same way that you can with the other messaging clients.

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