Has anyone ever heard of Skype.com a free internet phone service.

[SW FL Dem]

It sounds too good to be true to me. Supposedly you can make calls over the internet for free. All you need is the free software and a microphone or headset on your computer. A friend is trying to get me to sign up, but I am skeptical.

[mike_c]

1. there is a charge (small) for calling outside the skype network....

Here's more info:

Two approaches to VoIP – Skype vs. Vonage Print This

Skype and Vonage logos

Introduction

If you want to talk to someone using your broadband Internet connection, you have many choices, but two basic options. You can make free calls using the voice capabilities of an instant messaging (IM) application or one of the free VoIP services such as StanaPhone. But you'll generally find that you can only call other users of whatever service you choose for free.

If you want to connect to someone on another VoIP network, you either won't be able to or won't be able to jump through the configuration hoops required to do it. And if you want to connect to someone with a normal land-line or mobile phone, you'll end up paying for the ability to do so.

The second option is to sign up for one of the commercial Voice over IP (VoIP) services that are plying you with visions of unlimited free calling for a low monthly fee. There are many plans and providers, but the goal of these providers is to look, feel and work as much like your existing phone—except with snazzy features thrown in that you either can't get from your local phone company, or would end up paying extra for.

<more>

http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Sections-article123.php

[progressoid]

2. I have a relative that uses it to call Europe all the time -

saves tons of $$. I don'think he pays for anything at all.

[pnorman]

3. It sounded that way to me too.

But a friend now living in Guatamala talked me into it and also talked me through it. The software is free, and there's no fee for registration. Once registered and with a 'handle, two people can talk anywhere and forever with no charge. If you want to speak to another person who has no Skype account (through their phone), there's a charge which amounts to a local connection. For that, you set up an account with Skype in Euros.

A cheap mike plugged into your computer is all you need. If you don't want to listen through the computer speaker, use headphones. An incoming call will "ring" through your computer sound system. I have DSL and my computer is almost always on. I have no idea how it'd work with dial-up, but probably not good.

If there's a "catch", I haven't spotted it yet.

pnorman

[Rosco T.]

7. I got a PS2 USB Headset, had it up and running in about 2 minutes ....

.. you can 'conference call' up to either 4 or 6 people.

[pnorman]

9. I too bought a very nice USB digital headset w/boom mike.

The trouble as I found out, was that I have to get into "systems" and change the sound options whenever I want to use my TotalRecorder app. (That allows me to save as a sound file, anything that comes through the sound card). Not a big thing, but an occasional pain in the neck.

Since the simple system worked well enough, I ended up not using that fancy rig.

pnorman

[Ellen Forradalom]

4. It's awesome

I have regular chats with a dear friend in Paris that I haven't seen in 22 years.

We both have Skype accounts, so it's free. But you do want to invest in a decent headset.

[Rosco T.]

5. I have Skype... works like a charm...

and they have just added a Video service (also free).

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

6. Our exchange student used it to make calls to Germany

She didn't have to pay anything as far as I know! As long as the other person has the program d/l'd on their computer, I believe it's free.

[NV Whino]

8. Yes I have it

And it's great. They've just released version .24 with .30 in beta. My guess is, it will be free until they get all the bugs worked out of it and then there will be a minimal charge.

The software notes how many users are on line at any one time. At the moment there are over 1,800,000. Sometimes the number is over 2,000,000.

Try it. If you don't like it, dump it. You have the option of being "unavailable" when you are on line if you choose.

[KitchenWitch]

10. I have it

Have not used it a whole lot, just to call into internet radio shows...can't find a catch here!

[SoCalDem]

11. I have used it and some other DUers too. It's very cool

:)