Skype™ is a leading international provider of Internet communication services. Skype™ provides a variety of options for our program including:

• Voice Over IP (VoIP) free from any computer to any computer, anywhere in the world.
• VoIP audio conferencing for multiple individual users simultaneously. (Great for group work)
• Web-to-phone service allowing you to talk from your computer to any phone in the world, either free or for a very small fee.
  Video Over IP from computer to computer for anyone with a web cam.
• Skypecasts™ and Skype Conferencing to hundreds of computer users simultaneously.
• Combined with UNYTE™, a free plug-in, Skype™ allows for the viewing of the users' desktops for help in computer based training and support.

Helpful Links

• Click Here for More Information from Skype.com
• Click Here to Download the Latest Version of Skype
• Download Unyte™ to Share Your Desktop
  

When you need help with Skype, by far the most helpful resource is to
refer to the comprehensive help links available from the Skype
program menu bar. They will provide the best and first resource
for your support.

To contact James Stewart at the Center for Lifelong Learning use WSCLL1 as your Skype™ address. Jim always has audio capabilities set-up, and will frequently have a video camera available if you prefer.

To make a test call in Skype in order to verify that your audio settings are correct, that your headphones / microphone are functioning properly, and that the volume is appropriate to your preferences:

Click on Tools > Options > Sound Devices. On this screen you will be able to set your audio in and out choices, and make a test call. In the call you will record a short message and here it played back. You can do this as often as necessary until you are comfortable with the settings.

You could have several issues. Let's start with the obvious, but often overlooked.

1. Make sure your microphone and headphones / speakers are plugged in correctly.

2. Verify that your volume is not muted or that the sound levels are at proper levels. To view your audio levels, single click on the speaker icon in the lower right of your windows taskbar.

3. In the Tools > Options > Sound Devices screen, if your screen shows "Windows default device" for audio in and audio out, check to see if you have a specific driver for your system. Click on the down arrow beside each to see if you have an available option. Choose that option and try again.

In this case, you are probably using your computer speakers for the audio. Your microphone is picking up the audio from your speakers and feeding it back into the system.

For best use, pick up a set of headphones with built in microphone for use with Skype. They are available everywhere and cost relatively little. They will prevent or greatly reduce the problem and you will have a better conversational experience.