- Teresa Te Last Update: March 31, 2017

Skype is a free online communications tool used by millions of people worldwide today. Born in 2003, it now has more than 300 million connected users, according to Microsoft which bought Skype in 2011.

Skype can be used on any device from PCs, iPhones and iPads to Kindle Fires, Androids, Macs, Windows Phones and even on television. A major reason for its popularity is the fact that it allows users to communicate not only by voice but as well as via instant messaging and through a webcam. Group calls and chats can also be enjoyed in an unlimited time.

Another great feature of Skype is its ability to make calls to phones around the world. This requires a certain fee but should not be a problem because of the various plans available. You can even now make free group calls too. Group video calls over desktop devices can support up to 10 users, and calls over Xbox One can support up to four callers.

File and screen sharing are also possible via Skype. This is of great use to professionals collaborating on a project or employers and supervisors providing training to employees. Skype is very easy to install and use. One just needs to download the appropriate application compatible with their device from its main website and then run to install the tool.

Creating an account is a breeze as well. Once registered, a user can use Skype right away and connect with other people also using the tool. In 2013, Skype announced in its blog that people around the world are spending 2 billion minutes on the platform every day connecting with each other.

Skype was founded by a Danish and Swedish tandem – Janus Friis from Denmark and Niklas Zennstrom from Sweden. Behind the development of the software are Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu and Jaan Talinn from Estonia.

Nico ranan how to begin with skype #howtostartusingskype http://www.slideshare.net/NicoRanan/nico-ranan-how-to-begin-with-skype via @SlideShare

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2011 by @c4lpt #learning #socialmedia http://www.slideshare.net/janehart/top-100-tools-for-learning-2011 via @SlideShare

Do you have any tips for using Skype? Please add them to this list. Please vote up or down any tips that are already here. Thank you!

Do you know any Skype alternatives? Please add the names of each tool to this list and help others to find them and try them out. Please vote up or down any alternative so we find the most popular ones. Thank you!

 

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