Stay In Touch With Skype

For millions of people around the world, a time before Skype existed is difficult to recall. Since 2003, it’s been one of the most popular online tools to connect family, friends and businesses all over the world.

Using sound and a webcam, it’s a video call you can use at any time of the day, free of charge. Now with approximately 600 million users registered, and a third of them logging in every single month to use these facilities, it’s certainly worth being a part of. The digital age has changed how we communicate; it’s clear, instant and readily accessible to everyone.

Given how spread out families are, it is wonderful to be able to see friends, children and grandchildren in their own environment, at the touch of a button. Young people who go off to explore the world often end up extending their stays, or finding love and settling down with someone in another country. Admittedly, most people would prefer their family were just a stone’s throw away, but that is rarely possible.

New technology often seems tricky to begin with, but Skype is incredibly straightforward. If you have a smartphone, it is only an app purchase away.

Otherwise, use your computer, tablet or laptop and a broadband internet connection.

Search Skype on the web and install the programme to your device. You will be guided through the setup process to create an account.

All you need to set up Skype:
-Computer or laptop
-Internet connection
-Built in or separate webcam devise
-A Skype account – can be set up within minutes from your computer. (Ask a family member, friend or local PC technician to help if you struggle).

It’s as simple as that…

Things to remember in order to achieve a great Skype call:
– Internet connection: Both participants will require a strong internet connection in order to achieve both high quality sound and video image through your computer. Try not to move around if you have a portable device like a laptop as this can often cause connection issues.
– Time difference: If you’re Skype calling family and friends in another country, do remember to check the time difference and agree upon a time that will work for everyone. Skype is free and thee’s nothing stopping you from organising a 10 minute weekly chat – or to have a regular ‘dinner’ together.  Some friends pour a glass of wine and have a Skype chat on a Friday night if they are just in a different city (or the same city and they are unable to travel).

Skype can be a very useful tool for family members who are hospitalised or not particularly mobile. They can bring the world and their special people to them easily and cheaply.

The beauty of cheap, easy technology is that you can keep in contact with the little anecdotes and conversations that build and enrich relationships.