tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post1133412700177527477..comments2023-11-18T03:15:19.102-06:00Comments on Straight From Hel: Skype? Pipe Up.Helen Gingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-51771532746439667092009-09-24T01:02:09.481-05:002009-09-24T01:02:09.481-05:00good chat program for everbody
Very Good informa...good chat program for everbody<br /><br />Very Good information <br />Your site very useful. <br />thank a lot your information<br />Permission to offer my website, <br />A site about <a href="http://www.headphoneswithmic.com/" rel="nofollow">headphone</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-18864516523617479612009-09-05T22:14:51.204-05:002009-09-05T22:14:51.204-05:00I have been using Skype for years on a daily basis...I have been using Skype for years on a daily basis (you can't live as an ex-pat wife without it lol). First some clarifications then the number one piece of advice I can give anyone who wants to get the best quality out of Skype (cause if you have quality issues it's not Skype, it's you LOL).<br /><br />Skype is free ONLY for placing calls through Skype to another Skype user anywhere in the world. When you do that, it is not a phone call but rather just like Messenger and other IM programs (you can IM with Skype too) <br /><br />HOWEVER you can make phone calls (that is to a phone number) for a very low cost to anywhere in the world. You can get subscriptions which variously cover landlines and/or mobiles. You can also get phone numbers which anyone on a real phone can call and will connect with your Skype account/computer.<br /><br />And now the advice:<br /><br />The most important thing when using Skype is that you can hear each other properly - poor quality video really doesn't matter but you NEED to get your sound right and any issues you have with sound are going to be caused not by Skype but by your equipment. <br /><br />The most important thing you can do to improve you and your listener's Skype experience is the following:<br /><br />Best option: TURN OFF THE MIC ON THE WEBCAM AND GET A GOOD HEADSET - gaming ones are probably best. This will give you good sound through the headphones and a good microphone, well positioned close to your mouth so you don't sound like you're in a tunnel (and a wind tunnel if you have the AC or a fan on.) If vanity is an issue then you can get a one-ear type headset but you will have to pay more for good quality than an over the head gaming style one.<br /><br />Second best option: Turn off your speakers and plug in a set of headphones to listen through - this won't improve the crappy sound they get of you from the webcam mic but it will at least mean they don't have to hear themselves echoing through your mic from your speakers.<br /><br />Skype audio quality is brilliant, way beyond normal phone calls even over dialup (as long as you're not trying to videocam over dialup) but most people put up with poor quality sound because they think it's the technology when actually it's the equipment being used (same goes for picture quality often too) <br /><br /><br /><br />Helen, you will probably be able to use the webcam you have bought but if you use the microphone on it instead of a headset you will drive the person you are speaking to batty with poor quality sound and ghosts and feedback of themselves talking to you through your speakers. <br /><br />Before all the people who use just webcams or $10 microphones for Skype jump up and say it works fine for them just trust me - you are driving the people on the other end nuts LOL. <br /><br />So, when you install your webcam, turn OFF the microphone in your mic settings and get yourself a headset so that you can also turn off your own speakers. If you don't want to look like you're wearing headphones then you can get an earpiece type but you will have to pay handsomely for one with decent speakers and a decent microphone. <br /><br />Good luck with it all and, for the sake of those on the other end, try to remember microphone positioning - don't have it where you are breathing on it and don't have it in a spot where your fan or aircon breezes will hit it - you won't hear it but everyone else will hate you LOL!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04684044087134671308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-59427669544899745122009-09-04T12:56:25.736-05:002009-09-04T12:56:25.736-05:00I have skype, the calls are free and many expats i...I have skype, the calls are free and many expats in Cyprus use it. My friend in UK uses it to teach English online to foreign students.Glynis Peters https://www.blogger.com/profile/01175378917872403609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-72454037622642082892009-09-04T02:06:42.455-05:002009-09-04T02:06:42.455-05:00Okay I have downloaded Skype. It was very very eas...Okay I have downloaded Skype. It was very very easy. I hope it is true that these camera's distort us- god that woman in there looks very old! <br />Now I need to talk to people. I'm going to get my husband sorted out with it when he comes from University today. Then we can talk in the computer during the week. Yeah!Laurihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11112458658109887868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-32232547077863084132009-09-03T23:52:05.310-05:002009-09-03T23:52:05.310-05:00As far as I am aware calls with skype are free. I ...As far as I am aware calls with skype are free. I have never actually done it, but think it is a great idea. I should do it though, with all the mates I have around the world. It would probably save me thousands in phone calls per year :)Tabitha Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08196816108272065974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-21466627655628790862009-09-03T23:19:12.403-05:002009-09-03T23:19:12.403-05:00Helen,
I'm happy to help walk you through Sky...Helen,<br /><br />I'm happy to help walk you through Skype. It's really intuitive once you get going. Even my kids use it to talk, although we've downloaded several different avatar programs which get distracting. (Now they can be a moving hand or add on sunglasses - very fun/distracting.) <br /><br />All you need is a picture of yourself and you can use Skype without the live video. No matter how good you look, those cameras make faces a bit distorted.<br /><br />My Skype name is MovingMelissa - totally ridiculous name that I came up with when I was moving.<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Melissa TaylorMelissa Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15351051698870860742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-88751002549640911092009-09-03T17:08:30.883-05:002009-09-03T17:08:30.883-05:00Okay, here's the deal. We have some experts on...Okay, here's the deal. We have some experts on Skype. We have Skype newbies. We need to convene a Skype class. One (or more) experts instruct the rest of us newbies on setting up Skype, then convene a class. We meet in cyberspace, in PJs, unless you go to a coffee shop to sign on, then you probably want to wear actual clothes (maybe not, though). We learn Skype. Then we all sign up for the Poisoned Pen conference, open up a cafe chat shop to talk and the Skype's the limit.<br /><br />Seriously, this weekend I'm going to try to set up Skype on my computer. I said, try.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-90381416048377950352009-09-03T16:40:08.120-05:002009-09-03T16:40:08.120-05:00Well!! I will say you asked the right question! We...Well!! I will say you asked the right question! We either know nothing about it--like me--or do know and are willing to share. Helen, you learn how to do it and then teach me!!Sylvia Dickey Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06665990701980727149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-33647186013234107652009-09-03T16:26:32.850-05:002009-09-03T16:26:32.850-05:00You are braver than I am, Helen. I looked at the r...You are braver than I am, Helen. I looked at the requirements to participate in the con and was hopelessly lost in new technology that I have no idea how to use. I have such a HUGE learning curve when it comes to some of that, I decided it would be too frustrating.Maryannwriteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09479027709233807149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-32422707468166283012009-09-03T14:21:30.236-05:002009-09-03T14:21:30.236-05:00Okay, some of you are clearly experts. If I get st...Okay, some of you are clearly experts. If I get stuck, I'm shouting out to you.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-32094447968591941112009-09-03T13:03:54.999-05:002009-09-03T13:03:54.999-05:00I skype every Sunday to talk to my Mum in England....I skype every Sunday to talk to my Mum in England. It's free, therefore cheaper than a phone call. And it's much more fun because we can see each other. My brother uses Skype for his ordinary phone calls too, but I've not tried that.Sheila Deethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13465615546936319164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-54748201411049505682009-09-03T11:47:52.069-05:002009-09-03T11:47:52.069-05:00That makes me wonder, Lisa, if I don't set up ...That makes me wonder, Lisa, if I don't set up the camera, then maybe I could see the person I'm talking to, but they couldn't see me. That'd be good.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-1847544880201447772009-09-03T11:40:05.226-05:002009-09-03T11:40:05.226-05:00I haven't read through all the comments but Sk...I haven't read through all the comments but Skype is competely free, even for international calls. Also, I use my computer screen as the camera, i.e., I didn't have to buy a separate device to see the person I was speaking with.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086101058759923788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-26577107776301602612009-09-03T11:20:40.810-05:002009-09-03T11:20:40.810-05:00Does your hubby come into Texas, Patricia?
Lauri,...Does your hubby come into Texas, Patricia?<br /><br />Lauri, you had me laughing so hard. I love the idea of passing a head around the conference table.<br /><br />I have to look for privacy settings, Jon? Jimmenee. I'll have to find them. Trust me, you do not want to see me sitting at my computer. Most days, it's no makeup, hair piled on my head, and old tank tops. Yikes!<br /><br />Okay, I have got to find time to try to set up Skype. It'll for sure take me days to figure it out.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-5738358061122786152009-09-03T11:02:51.691-05:002009-09-03T11:02:51.691-05:00We have Skype installed on my husband's laptop...We have Skype installed on my husband's laptop, just so we can talk to our nearly six-month old granddaughter (oh, yeah, her mommy and daddy too). It's free and simple to use. Couldn't tell you about the install because hubby did all that.Patricia Stolteyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17192369425956406122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-9605991153627763992009-09-03T10:52:34.591-05:002009-09-03T10:52:34.591-05:00Hi, Helen. I have a little something for you on m...Hi, Helen. I have a little something for you on my blog. Check it out.<br /><br />Lynnette Labelle<br />http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.comLynnette Labellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03227593491562480538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-43400908971182321472009-09-03T10:19:00.833-05:002009-09-03T10:19:00.833-05:00I signed up for the PP Webcon some time ago but to...I signed up for the PP Webcon some time ago but today was the first time I was able to access their site. Thanks for the heads-up about Skype, Helen. I had a video computer camera years ago that didn't work well, but I'm going to try Skype.<br /><br />Jean<br />http://advicefromeditors.blogspot.com/Jean Henry Meadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08146960738692672013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-50695161694757087682009-09-03T10:18:07.753-05:002009-09-03T10:18:07.753-05:00I have used Skype for about 3 years now. Skype to ...I have used Skype for about 3 years now. Skype to Skype calls are free. I purchased the skype out package which is about 30 dollars a year, so I can call anywhere in the US and Canada for free. I used it alot when I was podcasting on BlogTalkRadio. It's pretty stinkin' awesome.<br /><br />My employer purchased a skype in number for me, and I believe you can get your own local number or a number anywhere in the US for around 60 bucks a year. If you purchase both "in and out" you can save some cash.<br /><br />If you have a laptop with a cam you can adjust your setting to pop up the video automatically or you can click when you want to use video. <br /><br />It's pretty easy. Once you've downloaded it and played around with it you shouldn't have any problems. They have live support too.<br /><br />Sorry to ramble; I get excited easily, and I love Skype :-)<br />~2Tomara Armstronghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17185889402088565686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-36063404105615618542009-09-03T09:54:45.690-05:002009-09-03T09:54:45.690-05:00I use Skype to talk to my brother and two sisters ...I use Skype to talk to my brother and two sisters all the time. It is very easy to use and I have had no issues with regard to special equipment. But then again, I'm not looking for broadcast quality, just a video phone call. It's like the Jetsons.<br /><br />I have a laptop with a built in camera and mic and it seems to work fine. Only once did I have a bit of weirdness, a scrambled picture for about two seconds, but that was during a heavy thunderstorm.<br /><br />I never call my brother and sister anymore. I always use Skype.<br /><br />One thing you will need to do right away is go into your privacy settings and limit who you are willing to have contact you. Otherwise the pron sleazebags will latch onto you in no time. Ick!<br />~jonJ. M. Strotherhttp://www.jmstrother.com/tiki-view_blog.php?blogId=1noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-15628516836188339882009-09-03T09:52:09.604-05:002009-09-03T09:52:09.604-05:00The image of someone's head being moved around...The image of someone's head being moved around a conference table so that everyone can speak to it I find deliciously funny.<br /><br />I don't have Skype although getting it has crossed my mind. However, web cams spook me. I don't need the world to see me when I'm sitting here in my 'ugly clothes'. I have thought about that conference...better get to it.<br /><br />ElspethElspeth Futcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-42928052987395025942009-09-03T09:23:53.454-05:002009-09-03T09:23:53.454-05:00My sister used Skype when she lived overseas. I us...My sister used Skype when she lived overseas. I usually ended up calling her back on her 'real' phone because it sounded like she was in a tunnel or often there was a delay or echo. I don't think she was too fond of talking into a computer instead of a phone receiver either - but the calls were cheap. Maybe it works better in the states.Jane Kennedy Suttonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12519340747761460017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-68623842500141447232009-09-03T09:11:59.564-05:002009-09-03T09:11:59.564-05:00I understand calls are free with Skype. I was in a...I understand calls are free with Skype. I was in a TV meeting once and the director was in Belgium and they had him on the laptop through Skype. It seriously creeped me out when the people who knew him (not me) were passing the laptop around with just his head on it and having conversations before the meeting. I felt like they were passing his head around- and it was talking! I think you need to get used to it.Laurihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11112458658109887868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-12047589540366887502009-09-03T09:08:35.786-05:002009-09-03T09:08:35.786-05:00Sure....Karen....as soon as I find the tree limb c...Sure....Karen....as soon as I find the tree limb cutters so I can open the package. Then the help number for the manufacturer, then ...Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-66203035093059866652009-09-03T08:25:02.764-05:002009-09-03T08:25:02.764-05:00No, never used Skype...
And don't you hate th...No, never used Skype...<br /><br />And don't you hate that type of packaging? You could seriously injure yourself just trying to open it.<br /><br />L. Diane Wolfe “Spunk On A Stick”<br />www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.comL. Diane Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-86065562189904185582009-09-03T08:01:52.866-05:002009-09-03T08:01:52.866-05:00You've opened another can of worms, Helen. *si...You've opened another can of worms, Helen. *sigh* Something else for me to learn. I'd still be trying to figure out how to open the packaging.<br /><br />I'd like to know the particulars about choosing a good-quality camera and mic without the trial and error factor.Laura Enohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09982794146667832204noreply@blogger.com