Connect Training Group

New to skype?

We get many questions about Skype — students ask us how it works and how to use it so we thought we’d give you an overview to help you get started. We’ve found Skype to be enormously helpful tool for our students to stay Connected with us from initial enrolment through to lesson information. Skype is live contact by either text, chat or conference. On your home front it’s communicating with friends, family, and colleagues all over the world.

First of all: What is Skype anyway?

The simple explanation: It’s an application that allows you to make calls over the Internet from one computer to another for free. Using Skype, you can also make calls to traditional land lines or mobile phones however for a fee.

Lets look at how to get Skype up and running on your computer.

1. Download and install skype for free
   If you don’t already have Skype on your computer you’ll need to firstly download it. Go back to Connect’s homepage and click on the “Call me’ button to download Skype if you don’t already have it OR you can go directly to the Skype Web site. You may need to close and reopen your web browser after downloading Skype before going back to the “Call Me” button on our web site to make your call.

   Skype works on both PCs and Macs.

2. Using Skype
   Once Skype is downloaded go back to the Connect homepage and click on the “Call Me” button. Skype will automatically launch and dial through to us directly. We will see your call or text box and answer. Should our number be busy just wait a few moments and we’ll be with you shortly. We are available 9am — 4pm Mondays Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Accessories

1. Need a headset
   If your computer has built in Microphone and Speakers you won’t need a headset, most newer laptops have these built-in already. If your computer doesn’t have these facilities built in there are a wide variety available in your local electronic centre or online. Sometimes students prefer using headsets as they can achieve better quality of sound which can help them stay focused on their lessons.

2. Web-cam (optional)
   This is a small video camera which adds video-conferencing functionality to your Skype calls. If you happen to have a new Macbook or certain other brands of laptops, they have built-in Web cams that work seamlessly with Skype. Otherwise To purchase a web cam simply visit a store that sells computer equipment. Remember of course to check if you have a microphone as well. Some web-cams have them built in.

Technical Support

1. Tweak your audio settings
   In the Skype application, go to: Skype > Preferences > Audio make sure that your headset is selected under both Input and Output. You may also have to do the same adjustment to your Mac’s System Preferences > Sound settings. On a PC, go to: Start > Control panel > Sounds and audio devices

2. Call other Skype users
   There’s no charge for calling Connect or another Skype user via your computers — both users simply need to be online and have Skype running at the same time.

3. Skype Call Quality
   The quality of your calls depends upon your Internet connection. Using a cabled connection is usually better than WiFi (wireless) however here at Connect we use wireless and have no issues. The more stable the connection, the better. Weaker connections mean that call quality can be sometimes compromised, or calls may occasionally drop out.

4. Resources for further reading

   • The Skype help page offers general instructions.
   • The Skype Wikipedia page provides a good overview of the service.
   There are many other features in Skype for you to take advantage of however we have only covered those we felt would help you, our students, to get started.

   Have fun and we’ll be hearing from you on Skype soon.