Although pretty much everyone has heard of Skype these days, quite surprisingly, there are still a lot of users out there who don't know exactly how to take advantage of the very interesting features provided by this VoIP service, including here the fact that it's absolutely free if you're chatting with another person using it.

For this reason, we've created a small guide, where we've detailed each step one has to take in order to start talking with their friends on Skype, starting with the pre-requisites and ending with the necessary adjustments you'll have to carry out in order to enjoy a very good level of reception. And don't forget, this is a guide for complete noobs - that is why we've tried to keep things as simple as possible.

Step 1 – Purchase a computer headset or a microphone

In order to be able to use Skype, you'll need a computer connected to the Internet (which you probably already own, because, otherwise, you wouldn't be able to read this guide), preferably via a broadband connection, which supports audio streaming. Furthermore, you'll need either a headset (headphones plus microphone) or a microphone, accompanied by a couple of speakers connected to the computer's audio-out port.

Both of these solutions are equally good, although the former provides a higher level of privacy, which is surely something you might want to take into consideration, especially when chatting in public venues.

Step 2 – Connect the headset (or microphone + speakers) to the computer's audio ports

This is actually a pretty easy task. All you have to do is connect the microphone jack to the microphone input (generally, the symbols correspond, so you won't have any difficulties determining which goes where).

If all your audio ports are already occupied, you can always try an audio-to-USB adapter, since quite a lot of modern headsets are delivered with such an item included in the package.

Step 3 – Download and install the Skype application

The third step is to download and install Skype's VoIP application. This is a very simple process, as you can find the app right here on Softpedia. After downloading the installer, you'll only have to click on it and get started.



Step 4 – Register for a Skype account

Since you're new to the Skype game, you'll have to register for a new account. This is a very fast and simple process, since all you'll have to do is enter the nickname you've chosen for your account, the password, an e-mail address, plus your location in the world. After you're done with this step, just click next, and, after a couple of seconds (well, closer to half a minute, actually), the account is done and you're ready to start using the service.

Step 5 – Adjusting the audio settings

OK, now that the installation process is done, it's time to do a little tweaking in the audio department. In order to do so, you'll have to click on the central icon appearing on the splash screen, namely the one reading “Check your sound works.”

There, you'll be able to check and adjust, if necessary, the audio settings (volume, etc.) of both your microphone and speakers, as well as tinker with your webcam, if you happen to have one.

Step 6 – Find your friends on Skype

Of course, going through all the steps mentioned above is pretty much useless if you have no one to talk to. For this reason, what you should do next is click on the “Find your friends” tab in the splash screen (yeah, that big thing with a looking glass depicted on it). There, you'll be able to search through your e-mail contacts, or you can search directly Skype's account directory by inputing the Skype nickname you're looking for.





Step 7 – Start using Skype

After completing the setup, you're ready to start talking with your friends. That's also a very simple thing to do, but you'll have to figure out the details for yourself.

We hope that all you Skype newbies have found this guide to be useful, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to use the comments section below.