Computer Phone Software: Skype
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These days, computer phones, internet telephony, and VoIP are practically synonymous with Skype (rhymes with "type"). Founded by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, it is a closed-source (i.e., proprietary) piece of peer-to-peer network and service that rivals other popular VoIP protocols out there like session initiation protocol (SIP), IAX, and H.323.
At the heart of the Skype system is its free software client that lets you join its peer-to-peer network. This peer-to-peer system is notably different from other services, which apply the client-server architecture instead. Since it is decentralized, it can handle a large number of users at a time. But since it transfers calls through Skype users, ably tunneling through firewalls (unlike other computer telephony or VoIP methods), this means usage of extra bandwidth when a Skype user is "chosen" to become part of that transferring chain. Each user that takes part in relaying the connection or call is called a supernode.
The Skype computer phone client is available for Windows (2000, XP, CE/PocketPC), Mac OS X, and Linux and is free. Being closed source, however, has made Skype the object of controversy among developers and VoIP users everywhere. This includes debate on Skype's actual level of security.
Skype was acquired by eBay in 2005 for $2.6 billion and has had over a hundred million people downloading its computer phone client.
Free Features
Aside from computer-to-computer (as long as both ends are using Skype) calling, some of Skype's free features include: instant messaging, file transfer/sharing, group chat/conferencing (maximum of 100 users at a time, called Skypecasts), audio conferencing (maximum of 5 users at a time).
Paid Features
Beyond Skype's free features are special services that require credits in order for them to be used. Here are some of them:
SkypeOut
SkypeOut lets you call friends and loved ones on their ordinary phones (landline/mobile). It boasts of a Global Rate of €0.017 ($0.021/£0.012) per minute for calling landline phones. For more details, you can view the full list of rates here [http://www.skype.com/products/skypeout/rates/].
SkypeIn
This feature, which costs you €30 a year (€ for 3 months), lets you own a local number that friends, relatives, and co-workers (who can be found in that same zone) can call without the international rates. You can sign for up to 10 numbers, all up to you to choose where those numbers are virtually located.
Skype Zones
Powered by Boingo, Skype Zones is a piece of software and service that provides "hotspots" from which you can converse your Skype friends. Current rates are: 2 hours for €2.50 ($2.95); 1 month for €6.50 ($7.95).
Skype Voicemail
Leave a voice message to your friends with Skype Voicemail. It costs €5 for 3 months or €15 for one year, but comes free when you get your own SkypeIn number.
Want ringtones, pictures, headsets, webcams, and more? Read the complete list of free and for-fee computer phone services offered by Skype.
As with any other computer phone service, whether software-based or hardware-based, always check out what features they are offering for you to decide which company suits your needs the best.
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