What is Skype?
23rd Feb, 2007
Skype is popular free telephony software which enables anyone with an internet connection to talk with friends, family and colleagues via the Internet without charge.
Features available in Skype without charge include:
- Call anyone else using Skype, anywhere in the world.
- Enjoy superior audio quality compared with a standard telephone.
- See who you are talking to with video calls.
- Chat with one person or have a group chat using Skypecast with up to 100 participants.
- Conference calling with up to four other people at the same time.
- Send files and photos to each other easily.
- Search the web with the Google Toolbar (optional install).
Features available in Skype that cost a little:
- Call ordinary phones from Skype using Skypeout at extremely affordable rates per minute, with no setup or monthly fee.
- Get a SkypeIn number, so that people using ordinary phones can call you directly on Skype.
- Skype Voicemail takes the messages when you can't take calls.
- Skype SMS lets you get in touch with friends instantly using text messages when they're not online.
How do I call someone with Skype?
After downloading and installing the Skype software from www.skype.com, the Skype application can be opened by choosing it from the Programs menu or from the Windows System tray. If you have never used Skype before, you will be guided through the simple registration process where you will choose your Skype username. This is the handle which other Skype users can use to contact you so you may want to try and make it something memorable.
Once you have signed into Skype for the first time you can place a call by simply typing the Skype user name of your contact and pressing enter. If you know someone uses Skype but you do not know their Skype name, Skype includes the facility to search for others. Additionally Skype can import your contacts from other Instant Messaging and email software. To search and/or import contacts to add to your Skype contact list open the Contacts menu with ALT+O.
If you have registered for Skypeout, to dial a telephone number dial the full international number starting with the plus sign. For example, +441905754577.
Note, it is strongly recommended that you check your Microphone and speakers or headphones are working correctly before attempting to make a call. Skype will try to do this automatically during the installation process.
How do I answer an incoming call with Skype?
If someone calls you, you will hear a ringing sound from your computer or mobile device. You can connect the call in a number of ways. ALT+TAB to the Skype application Window, ALT+C for the Call menu and choose answer. Better still you can set up a global hotkey so you can answer and end Skype calls regardless of where the Windows focus happens to be at any given time. To set up global hotkeys access the Options dialog found from the Tools menu.
What’s new in the latest version 3 of Skype?
- Connect with the world on public chats.
- Easier to use, more powerful and personal interface.
- Click to call ordinary phone numbers on any website (optional install).
- Search the web with the Google Toolbar (optional install).
Does Skype 3 work with my Dolphin Screen Reader / Magnifier?
The latest versions of Skype will work best with Dolphin access software version 7.01 and later.
The Skype map file we have developed provides access to the following areas of Skype version 2 and 3:
Menus and Dialogs:
- All Skype menus are read.
- Controls and check boxes are read in the Tools Options dialog.
Contact List:
- The Skype contact list can be read by using the arrow keys to scroll up and down when the Contacts page is selected.
Additional status information about the currently selected contact can be gained by using the Speak Additional Focus Information key which is LEFT SHIFT + NUMPAD 0.
Chat Window:
- New messages are automatically read in the text chat window.
- The visible chat history in the chat window can be read with the Custom Application 2 key which is LEFT SHIFT + NUMPAD 8.
- In the Chat window Custom Application 1 will pop up the "Change status" menu accessed by clicking on the symbol in the status bar. LEFT SHIFT + NUMPAD 7.
General Tips:
- For best results ensure that the Chat Window is fully maximized; to achieve this open the chat window then press ALT + SPACE BAR followed by the X key.
- Use of Virtual Focus and/or Speak keys may provide further access to areas of Skype not covered by this Map. Some useful additional keystrokes include:
Toggle Virtual Focus mode
NUMPAD MINUS
Speak Label Above
DOLPHIN KEY + NUMPAD 8
Speak Label to Left
DOLPHIN KEY + NUMPAD 7
Speak Status Bar
NUMPAD 2.
For more information on what Skype has to offer visit the Skype official website.
Click here for help and guides on using Skype.
Visit the support section on the Dolphin website to download the latest Dolphin map files.
