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Downloads
Freeware, shareware, and trialware files for your PC
Price: Free
Date Added: Mar 2007
Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP
Requirements: microphone, headphones, or sound system
File Size: 22066KB
Downloads Count: 31700
Author: Skype Technologies
Skype lets you use ordinary computer accessories to make free voice-over-Internet and video calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world. For voice calls, you need some kind of microphone and sound system. I bought a $15 starter headset with built-in mic to try it out. (For video calls, use a Webcam.) The tabbed interface offers easy access to Skype features. You also get access to public chat environments and an Extras Manager for third-party add-ons such as games, personalization features, and business-oriented tools. Optional toolbars for Firefox, Google, Outlook, and Office users make it possible to directly dial numbers in Web pages and e-mail with a click.
Even if you don't know anyone who uses Skype, the service still offers significant cost benefits over traditional telephony. The SkypeOut feature lets you make calls to regular landline or mobile phones for far less than a typical phone company charges. Currently, Skype offers a SkypeOut Global Rate of 2.1 cents per minute for calls to landlines in approximately 30 of its most popular calling destinations worldwide, and even to mobile phones in several of these locations, though mobile calls are typically more expensive. To fund SkypeOut calls, you buy credit in advance. The minimum purchase is $10.
Two other offers I liked are Skype Unlimited and SkypeIn. Skype Unlimited is a subscription calling plan that gives you one year's worth of unlimited calls anywhere in the U.S. or Canada for $30. SkypeIn assigns you a phone number that's local to your callers no matter where you are. Say your whole family lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, but you're working in Hong Kong. Some of these relatives don't even have e-mail. Set up a SkypeIn number that's local to Lincoln and they can call you for free. Currently, this service costs $12 for three months or $38 per year.
--Leigh Anne Jones
| File Name | Downloads | License | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eliminate irritating pop-up windows with this free program.
|
2291563 | Free | Jan 2007 |
|
Eliminate an insidious pest that Spybot and Ad-aware can't stop.
|
895186 | Free | Jul 2006 |
|
Spyware fighter lets you examine Windows startup programs.
|
778559 | Free | Mar 2007 |
|
Eliminate banner ads and protect your personal information with this freeware.
|
488829 | Free | Jun 2006 |
|
Disable harmful Internet Explorer plug-ins with a single click.
|
439813 | Free | Jul 2007 |
|
Improve your download speed and avoid an incipient ulcer.
|
388083 | Shareware | Jul 2007 |
|
Protect yourself from hackers, privacy threats, viruses, and spam.
|
257711 | Shareware | Feb 2005 |
|
Accelerate and more effectively manage your downloads.
|
246972 | Free | Oct 2007 |
|
Level the playing field against spammers with this network-query suite of tools.
|
185900 | Free | Jan 2005 |
|
Rid your PC of annoying adware and spyware, and take advantage of a host of proactive features.
|
162258 | Buy Only | Sep 2007 |
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