Instructions

• 1). Download Skype where it has a green "Download Skype" button from the Skype website (see Resources) for either Windows or Mac OS X. Skype can detect your operating system prior to downloading. Plug in a USB headset and microphone or wireless handset and make sure it is PC- or Mac-compatible.
  
  
• 2). After the completion of the download, run the application file, SkypeSetup.exe, and follow the procedures on the Skype installation screen to complete the installation, which should not take more than five minutes.
  
  
• 3). Double-click the Skype icon. Follow the Skype start-up screen to complete the registration procedure. Sign up for an account by typing your name and choosing an username and password under the "Create Account" window. Log in and view the "Welcome" screen. Test your sounds with the Skype test call. Use a USB headset and microphone to test your setup. Go to "Skype" and scroll down to "Preferences" and select the "Audio" tab to modify your Skype's audio settings. Make sure both "Audio Input" and "Audio Output" are selected as your headset.
  
  
• 4). Choose the "Search for Skype users" option from the "Contacts" menu to start the search of friends to be added to your contacts, or the "Directory" tab by clicking the link "See Friends who are already on Skype." To add a friend to your contacts list, pick the name from the search results and click the "Add" button.
  
  
• 5). Purchase a "SkypeOut" credit or a subscription by clicking "Buy Skype Credit" button on the right or go to the menu and click "Help" and scroll down to "Buy Skype Credit" if you plan to make calls to landlines or cellular phones. After making payment, click on the "Call Phones" option and choose the country you want to call; type the number as if you are making a typical phone call. It is cheaper than using domestic or international calling cards.