Not everything in life is free. But experience would tell us that some of the best things in life are still free even up to this day when technology continues to advance at a faster pace. Just take the case of the Internet or the so-called information superhighway. When you’re online, you can do so many things for free like send email, sms, pictures and videos to family and friends, download ringtones, music and even software.

Today, the best part of being on the Internet is the opportunity for people around the world to make voice calls from one PC to another wherever and whenever absolutely free of charge. All thanks to the VoIP (voice over internet protocol) technology which has caused the invention of amazing hardware and software that allow for fast and convenient communication across the globe.

All about Skype

Skype is one software that allows people to make free voice and even video calls to anybody who’s also using Skype. You can download it for free and it’s so easy to use. And not only that, the quality of the calls is crisp and clear. For people using web cameras, the video calls are very much possible. For those wishing to make calls to landlines and mobile phones, it can also be done although not for free but at very cheap per minute rates.

Compatibility with computers should not be a concern as Skype can operate on most kinds of PCs such as Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and Pocket PCs. And even though this software works on almost all kinds of computers, calls, chats and file transfers won’t be intercepted because Skype automatically encrypts them before passing to the internet. Skype is encrypted hence, security and privacy are guaranteed. So when Skype users connect over the internet, it is usually over encrypted session whether they are using text messages, audio, video or file transfers. With its encryption, the risk of call tapping and interception of files is greatly reduced. To be able to use Skype and all its other certified devices, you need to have an internet access. Dial-up connection will do but broadband is much better.

People making free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls and sending instant messages every day are now in the millions. Being a quick and easy way to keep in touch online, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of this amazing software? Just to let you know, Skype has actually been downloaded over half a billion times and is now being used by more than 196 million people all over the globe.

The fact that the internet is used by millions of people every day for instant communication encourages Skype to do the best it can to serve its large volume of registered users notably in Europe. It is committed to provide free tools of communication for people at home, at work and on the go. What’s also praiseworthy is its effort to develop its over 50 hardware partners and over 160 Skype certified devices to be able to reach a broader base of users.

Great accessories

If you think that Skype is just limited to the software that allows you to make free calls over the internet, you are definitely wrong. Skype has certified products internet users can use to make the most out of their Skype experience. The accessories can be connected to the computer either by using cables or even without cables to enable you to make calls via Skype.

The plug-in headset is the simplest accessory of Skype that lets you make internet calls from your PC without using your hands.

The plug-in handset, on the other hand, lets you dial and receive Skype calls from your PC.

There is also the cordless headset that allows for a hands-free Skype call from your computer. And with the absence of wires, you are free to move around even while making a call.

If there’s a cordless headset, there’s also a cordless handset. This product lets you move freely while making and receiving Skype calls because of the absence of wires.

Skype has also its certified webcam for making free video calls from your PC to other Skype users. Skype-to-Skype video calls are absolutely free.

Another accessory worth using is the speakerphone because it lets you enjoy a hands-free or even group calls from your computer.

Finally, you can use the phone adaptor if you want to make all your calls from the same phone. The adaptor will connect your ordinary phone to your PC and will enable you to make calls when your computer is switched on.

New Mac OS X

Skype’s accessories are all wonderful but there’s more than just the hardware. Skype’s popular internet telephony software is constantly upgraded. In fact, there’s already a new version of its VoIP software for Mac users. The free software includes several new features such as call forwarding and auto-answer. iTunes will also pause automatically when a Skype call is answered. And for the first time, Mac OS X version 1.4 is available in Japanese.

This well-known freeware allows internet users to make free calls to other Skype members. The calls can be made through the built-in microphones on Mac as well as external but attached mics and new USB handsets that provide support for Skype. Hail to the Skype bosses who are bent on making voice calls over the internet the most natural and simple thing to do for people around the world regardless of the type of computer people they use.

The call forwarding feature of Mac OS X enables users to set up their own systems so they won’t be left behind whenever they have calls. Other functions include fast call set-up, emoticons and notifications of messages as well as whether people are online or offline.

A fantastic add-on to this software is the Mac OS X Skype Widget, a dashboard widget, that lets people make calls, search for country codes and check calling rates. Now this is total convenience when calling family and friends near or far.

With all these superb hardware and software which are truly Skype-certified, there’s no reason why you won’t choose Skype for your calling needs. What more can you ask for? You get great products at absolutely low prices and with unique features plus high quality to boot. Voice calls with clear audio quality with Skype are indeed here to stay.