Skype

Since living in Madagascar, we’ve experimented a bit using Skype, a kind of Internet telephone, to talk with Kristen’s family. I don’t really have the technical expertise to explain how Skype works aside from saying that you use your computer, the Skype software, the internet, and a microphone to talk to other people. To get a more technical explanation you can check out the review from PC Magazine. The best thing about Skype is that it’s FREE! We had some initial kinks, but our last conversation was clear and the lag was hardly noticeable. Email and the blog are good for keeping in touch, but now we want to use Skype to talk with more of you. If you’re interested in joining the conversation, here are the steps you need to take to get up and running on Skype.

1. Consider your connection speed. We tried using Skype from home with our dialup connection and found the reception not good. However, with us using Kristen’s office connection and Rob on cable modem, the reception was great. So, we’d say Skype is not recommended for dialup users.


2. Download and install the software on your computer. Point your web browser to www.skype.com/ and follow the links to the download page. The file is about 6MB in size.


3. To get the best results and reception you really need a headset with a microphone. Before leaving for Madagascar we stopped by Best Buy and bought a set from Logitech for about $25. The headset has two jacks: one for the microphone and the other for the headset. You really need the microphone close to your mouth while speaking in order to have the clearest reception; however, you can choose to not plug in the headphones and use your computer’s speakers instead to listen to the conversation.


4. Once the software has been installed, choose a username.


5. Then you can search for contacts (easily done from the Getting Started Wizard dialog box under “Search for Other Skype Users”). You can enter in our username, kppandedp, and you should find us and then be able to add us to your contact list.


6. Set up a time to Skype via email. Since we need to plan to be at Kristen’s office, it’s usually better to give some advanced warning. And, we’ve found it’s usually best to arrange something during the weekend, since the office is mostly empty then. (FYI, the time difference to Madagascar right now from the East Coast US is 7 hours.) Be sure, in the email, to let us know your username so we can add you to our contact list too.
   

It’s that simple, try it. Hope to be talking to some of you soon!