Setting up Skype. From installation to conversation. How to set up Skype on a laptop How to set up a new Skype correctly
Skype today is the most popular application for communicating with acquaintances and friends. You can communicate using a microphone with any person on the network, or if for some reason you do not have a microphone, you can communicate using messages in the program itself. Again, Skype must be installed for everyone who participates in communication.
This type of communication is free. If you need to call landlines or mobile phones in another country, this can be done cheaply compared to regular rates. You simply deposit money into your Skype account and you can safely call.
The first thing you need to do is download the Skype installer from the website. Download link . To do this, click the Download link at the top of the page.
Next, select the type of installation file for your computer and then click the “Skype for Windows Desktop” button. After this, the file will begin downloading to your computer. You select the folder in which you save the installation file and after the download is complete, run this file. This starts the installation of Skype on your computer.
After the installation begins, a User Account Control window may appear. Click “Yes” and continue the installation. And at the next stage, select the program language (1), define the option “Start Skype when the operating system loads” (2), and, if necessary, configure additional parameters (3) in which you can select the folder where to install the program (option 5, although I I don’t recommend changing it) and you can disable the creation of a shortcut on the desktop. After setting up these simple options, click “I agree - next” (4).
The next window is the option to install a plugin, with which you can click on the Skype icon directly from the browser and immediately make a call. Personally, I don’t use this option and consider unnecessary plugins and add-ons only an extra load on the system. So check or uncheck the box and click “Continue”.
The next step is the option to make Bing your default search engine and set MSN as your home page. Turn them off. I can tell you from experience that this is not an effective search engine. Click Continue.
This is the last step in the instructions “How to install Skype on your computer.” In a few seconds, Skype will be installed on your computer.
When it comes to such a popular and in-demand communication program, you don’t even have to torment yourself with the question of whether it offers free registration. Of course, there is, because it is very beneficial for developers that their product is used by as many users as possible.
Registration in the application is extremely simple and accessible even for inexperienced users. To complete the procedure, you need to go to the official website of the program - www.skype.com and select the “Join!” option located in the upper right corner of the window.
After this, you are redirected to a page where you need to provide contact information - last name, first name, e-mail address. There is an important nuance here - it is advisable to indicate your real data. Why, you ask? Everything is very simple - in principle, when registering, you can indicate any first and last name, only in this case, finding you on the Internet will be incredibly difficult, almost impossible. So, if you have nothing to hide and you are not wanted, feel free to provide your real information. An exception, perhaps, can be made for a mobile phone number.
Having reached the item “How do you plan to use Skype?”, indicate “Mainly for private conversations”, after which you can proceed to entering your username and password.
The login must be in English. Please note that if, after entering your login, the message “This Skype login cannot be used” suddenly appears, it means that a user with a similar nickname already exists and you will have to choose another one for yourself. As for the password, it can be anything, but the more complex, the better. The main thing is not to forget it after registration.
Finally, you need to pass an anti-spam check, proving to the system that you are a living person and not a robot. To do this, just enter the text from the presented picture in the specified field, then click the “I agree - Next” button.
If any of the fields are filled in incorrectly, a message will be displayed on the screen indicating this. Read it carefully and correct any inaccuracies. If everything is filled out correctly, you will automatically go to the next page offering you to buy something. Select the item “Thank you, no need for now” and click “Continue”.
At this point, registration is completed and you can proceed to downloading the application itself.
How to set up Skype on a computer
Well, we registered the program, downloaded it and installed it on our computer. Now it's time to configure it correctly and start using it.
All settings are made when you first enter the program. Skype itself offers you to connect and configure all the necessary equipment - microphone, headphones, speakers, camera. If you are missing anything from this list, no problem - just skip this point. To return to the settings at any time, click “Tools” and then “Settings” in the program interface. The settings window is quite simple, with an intuitive interface - for example, to check the sound, just click “Check Sound”. If the sound plays, then everything is fine. If it is missing, try choosing another device from those offered. If this does not help, make sure that the devices you have chosen are correctly connected and in working order.
The algorithm of actions when checking a microphone is no different from the above, and its readiness for work is signaled by a green stripe moving from left to right at the moment you say something.
As for the video camera, if connected correctly, it will display the image on the screen. Once you have verified that all the necessary components are working, click the “Continue” button.
If you wish, you can upload an avatar to the application by selecting your photo or any other image - to do this, click the “Continue” command and select one of the proposed actions - a photo from the camera or uploading a picture from your computer. If you want to skip this item, select the “Delay” command.
After all the initial settings have been completed, you can start working. Select the “Use Skype” option and proceed to its operation.
If suddenly a situation arises that you have added a new device to the system or want to slightly change the existing settings, do not worry, it is very easy and simple to do. You just need to select the “Tools” menu item, indicating the “Settings” option in it. This item is located at the top of the program window.
The menu that appears will give you full access to the program settings. You can describe for a long time how to use it correctly, what, why and what to click on, but this makes no sense - the window is designed in such a way that anyone, even the least trained user of the application, can understand it. The main thing is to be careful and show a little patience. So, for starters, it’s best to look at the “General Settings” item, checking the boxes in the order you need, then go to the “Sound Settings” window, and so on, until Skype is configured the way you need. After specifying all the necessary parameters, do not forget to select the “Save” option located in the lower right corner of the window.
Happy using.
Removing Skype from your computer is done in the same way as . But for clarity, I will demonstrate step-by-step actions.
The first thing you need to do is click the “Start” button and select “Control Panel” from the menu.
In the “Control Panel” window, find the Programs menu and click “Uninstall a program”.
Find our Skype program and click 2 times. After this, a “User Account Control” window may appear in which you need to click the “Yes” button
For the last time we confirm that we really want to remove Skype and then the process will automatically remove it completely.
Skype is the world's most famous program for making voice calls, video calls, and sending text messages. In order for the program to work correctly, you must first configure the connected equipment.
Setting up Skype and the equipment connected to the computer can be done either immediately after completing the installation of Skype when you first start the program, or during operation. We will consider both methods in more detail in the article.
Setting up Skype for the first time
So, you installed the program on your computer and ran it for the first time. To continue, you will need to sign in to Skype. To do this, you can use either an account for this service or your Microsoft mail account.
Next, the system will inform you that everything is almost ready to go, but you need to check the functionality of the sound and video, and also install an avatar. Click the button "Continue" in order to proceed with this process.
Next, a window will appear on the screen in which the functionality of three devices is checked: speakers, microphone and webcam.
In the block "Columns" you need to make sure that the correct audio device is selected. For example, if you have both speakers and headphones connected to your computer, make sure the correct audio output device is selected. Click on the button below "Check sound" , after which Skype will start playing a ringing tone so that you can check the functionality of the device and, if necessary, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
The situation is similar with the block "Microphone" . Make sure you have the correct microphone selected as the primary device that Skype will work with, and then say something into the microphone: firstly, the green line should move on the screen, and secondly, you should be able to hear your voice clearly from the columns.
The final block in this window is "Video" , and it configures the webcam. If you have more than one webcam on your computer, make sure you have the one you want selected and check below for the image you want your camera to capture.
Having finished setting up Skype in this window, click on the button "Continue" .
Next, the system will move on to creating an avatar. You can use any image available on your computer as an avatar, or immediately take a photo with your webcam in the Skype settings window. If you want to go to customize your avatar, click the button "Continue" . If not, select "Postpone" to finish the avatar task later.
Setting up Skype while working with the program
If you are already using Skype on your computer, then it is not at all necessary to reinstall the program to proceed to the setup - you can also go to the hardware setup menu through the program interface. To do this, in the upper area of the Skype window, click on the button "Tools" , and then go to "Settings" .
In the left pane of the window, make sure you have the tab open "Basic" , in which you will need to go to the subtab "Sound Settings" . This section contains tools for setting up the microphone and speakers; in particular, you will have the opportunity to select the appropriate device and adjust the volume of each device.
Go to the left area of the window to the subtab "Video Settings" . In this section, you configure the webcam, as well as set a new avatar. If necessary, set the desired parameter for receiving and transmitting video from the webcam when calling a contact. To adjust the operation of your webcam in more detail, click the button "Webcam Settings" .
A miniature window will appear on the screen, in which you can use the sliders to color correct the image captured by your webcam.
If in the same window you go to the tab "Camera Control" , tools for adjusting the webcam image will be displayed on your screen: rotate, shift, scale, focus, etc. Please note that the availability of some items will depend on the properties of your webcam.
Of course, these are not all the Skype options available in the Settings menu. The article considered only those on which the quality of communication in the program depends. Study all the available Skype settings in order to tailor the program’s operation completely to your requirements.
Probably the most popular computer program today is Skype. Skype is a program designed for voice and video communication on the Internet. If you want to use Skype, then in this article we will tell you how to install it, register in it and configure it.Skype job description
What is Skype for? Through the Skype program, you can communicate with other users of this program for free, while paying only for the Internet traffic consumed. Since most users in the CIS countries have unlimited Internet access at home, in principle, using Skype can be considered free. Skype has both voice and video communication capabilities.With Skype, you can make calls to your friends and relatives, and also use it for your work needs: communicating with clients, partners, suppliers, etc. Skype also has a group communication feature, which means you can chat with several people together at the same time. Skype is the best way if you want to communicate with people who live in other cities and countries.
What you need for Skype
If you want to talk on Skype, then you need to have a computer or laptop. You can also communicate via Skype through a smartphone and tablet, but we will not dwell on this in detail. So, in order for you to use Skype, first of all you must have Internet access configured on your computer or laptop.What internet speed is needed for Skype?
As for the speed of the Internet connection, a speed of 100 Kbps is quite sufficient for voice communication. For video communication on Skype, the required level depends on the resolution of the transmitted video.
First of all, Skype checks your Internet speed before the interlocutor, and based on this, determines the quality of voice and video transmission. If the Internet speed from you to the interlocutor is high, then the program will transmit sound and video of maximum quality, but if not, then the quality of communication will be reduced to that which allows the transmission of information. If your webcam shoots video in HD format, then to communicate via Skype you need a speed of 1.5 Mbit/sec. Please note that if you use group calls, the Internet speed should be higher.
Microphone and audio output device
To communicate on Skype, you will also need: a microphone and an audio output device. You can output sound either to existing speakers or by purchasing a special headset. As for the microphone, if you are using a laptop, many of their models have a built-in microphone. In addition, modern webcam models may also include a microphone, or you can solve this issue by purchasing a headset.
Let's summarize briefly. To communicate on Skype with the whole family, we recommend outputting the sound to regular speakers. As for the microphone, the best way to solve this issue is by purchasing a webcam with a microphone (if you are using a laptop, then there is probably already a microphone there). For individual use of Skype, we recommend purchasing a headset: headphones and a microphone, and if your computer or laptop has Bluetooth, we recommend purchasing an appropriate wireless headset.
Webcam
As mentioned above, to communicate via Skype you need, the choice of which we talked about in one of our previous articles. When using a modern laptop model, it should have a built-in camera; if you are not satisfied with the quality of its video, then it is better to buy a separate camera. We recommend purchasing a camera that shoots video in HD format.
How to install Skype on your computer
After we have looked at what we need to use Skype at home, we move directly to the program itself, in particular to installation. Installing Skype on a computer is completely free, for some reason many users are worried about this issue. The main thing is to download the program from the official website. Let's look at how to properly install Skype on a computer or laptop.First of all, we need to install Skype. To install it, you need to download the program installation file, which you can find on the official website: “skype.com/ru”. When you open the official Skype page on the Internet in your browser, you will see something similar to what is shown in the figure.
In the top menu, to the right of the Skype logo, select “Download”, after which you will be redirected to the download page. If you are using, the resource will offer to download the version of Skype for the Metro interface.
Despite the fact that they offer to install the Metro version of the program, we do not advise you to choose it, since it has problems in operation and is not particularly convenient. Therefore, below the download button, select “Windows Desktop”.
If you have a Macintosh or Linux operating system installed, then select the appropriate partition. If you have the Windows 7 operating system installed or you have chosen to download the version of Skype for desktop, then to download the program you will need to click on this green “Skype for Windows desktop” button.
After this, the installation file will begin downloading, please note that depending on your browser, it may ask where to save the installation file, by default this is the Downloads folder.
When the installation file has downloaded, run it from the browser or run it from a folder. Once launched, the installer will ask you to perform several actions.
Here you will need to select a language, check the box to allow Skype to start when you turn on your computer or laptop.
By clicking the "Advanced Settings" button, you can select the location where the installer will install Skype. We recommend leaving the default installation location and not changing it. After that, click the “I agree - next” button.
Next, the installer will ask your permission to install the “Click to Call” plugin. This plugin will be installed in the browser and highlights phone numbers posted on sites. By clicking on the number, you can immediately call it using Skype. Whether to install this plugin or not – decide for yourself, based on its need. Then click on the “Continue” button.
The next window, as always in Microsoft style, is to advertise your services, which by and large are not needed. In this window, the installer will ask you to make the Bing search engine your default search and make the MSN website the home page that will open when you launch your browser. We recommend clearing the checkboxes and not installing these services. Then click the “Continue” button.
Next, the Skype installation process begins. Once the installation is complete, the program itself will launch.
This completes the installation of Skype. Now the program asks you to log in to your account, or if you don’t have one, then register in the system.
How to register for Skype
After installing Skype, you need to register in the system. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that registration on Skype is free. So, how to register for Skype correctly? To register for Skype, there are 2 ways: separate registration and using a Microsoft or Facebook account for this.If you want to quickly register on Skype and you have an account specified for this, then you can use it by clicking on the corresponding icon. Then in the program window you will need to enter the login and password for the selected account and perform the specified actions. But we recommend making a separate registration, for which you need to click on “Register”, after which the program will redirect you to the registration page in the browser.
In your browser you will see a registration form that you need to fill out, and we will help you with this. The first thing you will be asked to enter is your first name, last name, email address and confirmation.
You can enter your first and last name in either Cyrillic or Latin - no one will check it anyway. Then enter your email address and duplicate it in the appropriate field. We go below and there we need to enter our personal data.
If you want Skype users to be able to find you using your personal information, enter it. If you do not want to disclose your data, leave the fields empty, entering only the information that is required to be entered (these items are marked with an asterisk). After this we move on to the next block.
At the very beginning of this block, select from the list the option of how you intend to use Skype. Then the most difficult and interesting point awaits you: “Login to Skype.” In this field you must enter your desired Skype login. The login must be unique, that is, not occupied by anyone, and given that there are more than half a billion users on Skype, this will not be easy to do. By entering the selected login, the system will notify you whether it is busy or free. Then enter the password, which must consist exclusively of letters and numbers, the minimum number of characters is 6. Having finished with this block, move on to the next one.
Here the system will prompt you to subscribe to the Skype newsletter, in the form of SMS messages or by email. If you are not interested in the newsletter, remove the checkboxes from both items. Below you will see a picture with symbols, you need to enter these symbols in a special field - this is protection from robots.
Then you can read the terms of use of Skype and the declaration on the protection of personal information - click on the button “I agree - Next”. After this, registration will be completed. We recommend writing down your Skype login and password on a piece of paper or in a text document on your computer. Now let's return to the program.
When you already have your own username and password, enter them into the program window and click the “Login” button. After authorization, the main program window will open in front of you. You will have one contact added - Test Center, we will talk about it a little later. First we need to set up sound and video in Skype, and then we can start adding contacts.
How to set up Skype
Of course, you will have a question: how to configure the program, sound, microphone and camera. To configure Skype, select “Tools” in the top menu of the program and select “Settings” in the menu that appears.
While in the “General Settings” tab, you can make some changes. For example, we recommend unchecking the “Start Skype when Windows starts” option to avoid unnecessary loading of computer or laptop resources, that is, Skype will not start automatically when you turn on the computer, but you will launch it yourself if necessary. Well, make the settings based on your own preferences. Then go to the “Sound Settings” tab.
How to set up a microphone in Skype
In the “Sound Settings” tab at the very top there will be a “Microphone” setting block. Click on the microphone selection menu and from the suggested devices, select the microphone through which you will speak on Skype. Once you've selected a microphone, speak a few words into it and you'll see the volume bar start moving. Use the blue slider to adjust the microphone volume. We do not recommend using automatic tuning.
How to set up sound on Skype
To configure the sound in the “Sound Settings” tab, you need to go to the settings block: “Speakers”. In this menu, select the device to which you want to output sound, and then click on the green button to check the sound output to the device. Below you can adjust the audio output volume.
In the “Call” block, you can in the same way select the device that will receive a call when someone calls you.
How to set up a camera on Skype
To set up a webcam in Skype, go to the “Video Settings” tab.
The program will detect your camera if it is connected. By clicking on the “Webcam Settings” button you can adjust the picture quality. Below you can configure the video display.
Setting up the program
After that, go to the “Security” section, to the “Security Settings” tab.
We recommend setting the same settings as shown in the picture above. Then click on the “Save” button below.
After making the described settings, make a test call to the Skype center.
How to add a user to Skype
In order to add a contact, you need to click on the button with a plus sign, which is highlighted in the picture below.
In the field, enter the name or Skype login of the user you want to find. Below you will see a list of people the system will find. Click on the user you were looking for and add him to your contact list.
How to register on Skype video
Today, everyone who uses electronic systems with Internet access necessarily uses software that facilitates communication between counterparties, regardless of distance and completely free of charge. Such an application is Skype, which has been present for more than 12 years in the environment of providing the most accessible communication system, allowing you to send text messages, photos and video files completely free of charge. It was with its use that real-time text communication and voice communication became available, and today video calls became available among users of this program.
Let's move on to setting up Skype on a laptop
To use all the capabilities of this software, you must have a gadget: a computer, laptop, or other devices with Internet access. But in each specific case, installation of this program with its further configuration is required.
For those who use a laptop, there are no problems with installation and configuration. The program is accessible to everyone and even a schoolchild can understand it. And if the laptop is equipped webcam and microphone, then its owner can even make video calls. So the opinion that Skype demonstrates all its capabilities only on a computer, and its functionality is limited on a laptop, is fundamentally wrong. In fact, it all depends on the speed of the Internet and the characteristics of the equipment. Even in the absence of a webcam and microphone, you can listen to your interlocutor through the sound reproduction system, answering him in writing.
This application functions both as a telephone and as a videophone. It is important that the Internet settings allow video communication. To do this, you need Internet traffic to be at least 56Kb/s for telephone communications, and 512Kb/s for video. Question how to set up skype on laptop The problem that arises among users of this equipment has a very simple answer.
Free registration and installation of Skype on a laptop
If you have an Internet connection that has the required characteristics for the program to work, the process of installing and configuring Skype is very simple. The Internet can be either connected to a fixed point, fiber-optic type, or mobile - the main thing is that the operator’s capabilities and the technical characteristics of such Internet meet the requirements. In the second case, you need to consult your provider about the possibility of using Skype. You can find out how to register on Skype by following the link.
The first step is to visit the official website of the program developer www.skype.com, where you need to follow the free download sign to download the installation file archive to your laptop, indicating for which system you are downloading.
The downloaded file is opened and the program is installed using the setup element. After the installation is complete, you will need to go through a quick registration, where you need to come up with a password and login. After entering these parameters, you will enter the program, where all the necessary elements for making the settings are available.
After entering your password and login, a window will open in which there are several fields, selecting which (check the box) will allow you to launch Skype automatically, immediately after loading the system and further visualize photos of the avatars of your interlocutors, if they have installed them. Auto login will not require constant password entry in the future, however, this particular item will increase the load on the entire laptop system. So it is important to choose what is more convenient.
Set up Skype for free on your laptop for free
Now you can restart the program and proceed to the main part - setting up Skype for free on your laptop. The first input immediately activates a test of the program’s operation in all modes. She will offer to connect a headset, microphone, webcam. In fact, at this stage it is important to only carry out a sound check for now. Leave all other items untouched, maintaining their original data. If there is no response sound or the user’s voice cannot be heard, it is necessary to check the connection of all elements. In operating mode, the video camera should broadcast the image directly to the laptop screen.
After this check, you can start installing your own avatar, if necessary. An existing personal photograph compressed to the required parameters or a photo that can be taken using a webcam is suitable here. Or instead, simply install some image taken from the Internet. Next, you need to click the button – "Use Skype."
Further configuration can be done at any convenient time. To do this, there is a section in the top working panel of the program window "Tools", in which the item is selected "Settings". Here, each user is free to combine their own desires with the capabilities of the program, respectively, in the settings area. Here a window appears consisting of several items to select and configure, which the program itself offers.
Sound and its settings in Skype on a laptop
A laptop with a built-in microphone allows you to select an additional one from a list of offers. There is also a choice of speakers, in addition to the built-in ones. Once the headphones are connected and detected by the system, you can begin adjusting the volume.
Setting up video in Skype
The section dedicated to image operation in the program allows you to adjust brightness, contrast, clarity and many video parameters “to suit you.” Allows the use of a set avatar during a video call, which will be broadcast to the interlocutor. It’s very convenient when you don’t want the user to see it.
The main items found in the settings menu:
- "Safety"– sorts caller data into desired ones and not.
- "Alerts"– allows you to set the call volume level and select the alert signal that someone is trying to call or a message has arrived.
- "Calls"– allow you to forward the call to a regular phone.
- "Chat and SMS"– a section that allows you to change the design of chat, correspondence, and organizes the sending of SMS to phones.
- "Additional settings"– work with installing new ports, indicating automatic updates and much more.
Skype has been loved since ancient times for its high-quality voice and video communications. Skype provides the opportunity to communicate for free, as long as you have Internet access. There is also a feature for paid calls to mobile and landline phones in any country in the world.
How to install Skype on your computer
Skype is in Russian and can be downloaded for free on the official website.
After downloading, Skype will ask you to register, fill out the fields. We’ll skip the initial setup of the microphone and webcam, if you have one, for now and go straight to the setup from the program menu so that we can understand how to return to this process at any time.
This is interesting: The origins of VoIP technology go back to 1876, when the American Alexander Bell made the first telephone call and patented the “talking telegraph” he invented. This device did not have a bell, and the call was made through the handset using a whistle. The range of the first “talking telegraph” did not exceed 500 meters.
Classic Skype settings
So, Skype is downloaded, installed and launched under your login. Let's go to the menu “Tools -> Settings -> General Settings”
There is nothing military here, you can call at your discretion or leave it as is. I recommend removing "Start Skype at Windows startup". You can also customize how long after Skype should change your status to “Away” if the mouse or keyboard is not in use.
Setting up the microphone and speakers
Let's move on to the more interesting “Sound Settings” tab. If you have one sound card, for example a built-in one, then most likely everything will be selected correctly by default.
For the microphone, select the microphone input. If you have a webcam with a built-in microphone, then it is better to choose it as a microphone. In the “Speakers” drop-down list, you need to select the audio output device where the speakers or headphones are connected. By the way, using a simple program you can.
With a sensitive microphone and maximum volume, the sound can go off scale and become distorted. To have Skype automatically adjust the volume level, leave the “Allow automatic microphone adjustment” checkbox, and then the microphone volume will automatically decrease or increase, depending on its sensitivity and distance to it. If there is no sound on the computer, then .
