Skype and calling o/s

[Ms Piggy]

I have Skype installed on my lovely new lap top...ooooooooo ahhhhhhh loverly, new lap top, oooooooooo *drooling & salivating*. Anywaaaaay...I'm hoping to use Skype to call my Mum in the U.K and my Aunty in Scotland. It didn't work properly on my old desk top PC but I thought that may have been b/c it ran on Windows 98 but my lovely new PC runs on Windows XP.

Does anyone have any hints for getting it to work for calling o/s?

Cheers CSL

[parsley]

First test - Open Skype and go to Tools->Options->Sound Devices and click on "Make a Test Call to Skype answering machine". This is a free test where you call and automated answerphone, leave a message and have it repeated back to you. If this works then you should be set.
If you're calling other computers then it's all free, but if you're calling phones then you need to subscribe to SkypeOut. This is still a lot cheaper than international rates.

[Ms Piggy]

First test - Open Skype and go to Tools->Options->Sound Devices and click on "Make a Test Call to Skype answering machine". This is a free test where you call and automated answerphone, leave a message and have it repeated back to you. If this works then you should be set.
If you're calling other computers then it's all free, but if you're calling phones then you need to subscribe to SkypeOut. This is still a lot cheaper than international rates.
Cheers Parsley - therein the problem lies, we've tried that & the mesage is all garbled & really difficult to understand.

[parsley]

Cheers Parsley - therein the problem lies, we've tried that & the mesage is all garbled & really difficult to understand.
What kind of internet connection do you have?
http://support.skype.com/index.php?_a=knowledgebase&_j=questiondetails&_i=111
Skype should work with a 33.6 Kbps modem but the faster the connection the better. If you've got other stuff running at the same time that could cause a problem. Test your connection using something like this:
http://www.numion.com/YourSpeed/
I get 36 kbps and I hear the Skype answerphone okay. I haven't tried calling yet because my PC doesn't have a microphone so I need to buy a headset (well, get work to buy one for me). :devil2:

[zadok]

I have just installed the latest release. The mic setup tested out ok. Hopefully I have entered the right country code etc. If someone would like to test it out if they have it, I am registered as zadok_oz, Marty F

[zadok]

Wot!? :zzzz: Nobody using it?

[jazbug5]

I do! Hey, who else is? Just got set up with a mike and stuff last week...

[oldrider]

I am very interested but I'm only on dialup and am very unsure of myself. Does it work between computers Nationally? as well as o/s? I will call you Zadok if I can get it. What is the best type of headset and camera to buy? Oh by the way I use a laptop in a docking station. Cheers John.

PS: Just did the test to Mexico. 3935Bps 31kb. World:4152Bps 33kbps
whatever that means?

[Lias]

PS: Just did the test to Mexico. 3935Bps 31kb. World:4152Bps 33kbps
whatever that means?

Analog modems (dialup) have a theoretical maxmimum data throughput of 56kbps (56 thousand bits per second). In the real world they generally transfer data at 35-45kbps. The data you have there is saying that your connections had data transfer rates of 31/33kbps respectively.

The other figure is the transfer in bytes (8 bits = 1 byte). 3935Bps = 31480bps = 31kbps

Clear as mud?

[Lias]

Cheers Parsley - therein the problem lies, we've tried that & the mesage is all garbled & really difficult to understand.

Fire up sound recorder which can be located via Start Menu -> Program Files -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Sound Recorder. Push the big red record button, talk into your microphone for a few seconds. Push the stop button, then play it back. Is it distorted or garbled? This will tell you if the problem is to do with your microphone / sound card / PC setup.

[dhunt]

I have just installed the latest release. The mic setup tested out ok. Hopefully I have entered the right country code etc. If someone would like to test it out if they have it, I am registered as zadok_oz, Marty F
The best way to test it is to call echo123. Some lady talks to you then you get to talk back for 10sec and then it replays what you said.

[zadok]

I am very interested but I'm only on dialup and am very unsure of myself. Does it work between computers Nationally? as well as o/s? I will call you Zadok if I can get it. What is the best type of headset and camera to buy? Oh by the way I use a laptop in a docking station. Cheers John.
Works internationally. I have broadband, os shouldn't be a problem. I've done the test and heard my own voice ok. I am only using a $7 desk mic and no camera. Sound thru speakers. But unfortunately haven't tried it for real yet.

[dhunt]

Works internationally. I have broadband, os shouldn't be a problem. I've done the test and heard my own voice ok. I am only using a $7 desk mic and no camera. Sound thru speakers. But unfortunately haven't tried it for real yet.
Speakers work fine but often the other person gets a bit of echo through your mic so if there is just one of you it is better to use a head set.

[zadok]

Speakers work fine but often the other person gets a bit of echo through your mic so if there is just one of you it is better to use a head set.
I read somewhere in the blurb that there is 'echo cancellation', but I can't find where to activate it.

[zadok]

Just speaking to my father in Tauranga. Clear as a bell. Just like he is in the room with me. No echo. Yee haa.

[zadok]

Waiting :wait:
I'm totally impressed with this. :wait:
Over 3 million users online at the moment!

[Brian d marge]

yes
Iam a newbie to skype ,,I pinnged for the skype hand phone ( usb phone ) ,,,Can call anywhere now

( bdmarge) ...The only one I havent ried ,,is that old fella who,,lives in the upturned boat on Lord Howe Island ,,,and I ll ring him in a sec

Stephen

[zadok]

yes
Iam a newbie to skype ,,I pinnged for the skype hand phone ( usb phone ) ,,,Can call anywhere now

( bdmarge) ...The only one I havent ried ,,is that old fella who,,lives in the upturned boat on Lord Howe Island ,,,and I ll ring him in a sec

Stephen
There are a few 'Stephen's' in Japan. Which are you?

[zadok]

Mr Spankme, could we have a section in the profile, where there is provision for ICQ numbers etc, for Skype now as well?
Pretty please.
ps. This should be getting HUGE. It's brilliant.

[oldrider]

Hey zadok, I am very keen to go on this Skypey thing but the dial-up seems sooooo slow and I am not sure if my budget will allow broadband! The family are getting pissed and blame me when they can't talk to their Mother on the phone. They bought her a cell phone why didn't they buy me a broadband? Oh well I'm still working on it. You will be my first call. Cheers John.

[dhunt]

Hey zadok, I am very keen to go on this Skypey thing but the dial-up seems sooooo slow and I am not sure if my budget will allow broadband! The family are getting pissed and blame me when they can't talk to their Mother on the phone. They bought her a cell phone why didn't they buy me a broadband? Oh well I'm still working on it. You will be my first call. Cheers John.
I've used dial up before with skype, was a little broken up at times but wasn't too bad. But broadband is soooo mucher better :)

[Brian d marge]

There are a few 'Stephen's' in Japan. Which are you?

The ugly one

Other than that ,,my skype name is bdmarge.....

Stephen

[zadok]

Just found out that dial up works well with Sype as long as one of the parties is on broadband. So with more and more getting on broadband, give it a go if that is what has been holding you back from trying it.

[Zed]

Just found out that dial up works well with Sype as long as one of the parties is on broadband. So with more and more getting on broadband, give it a go if that is what has been holding you back from trying it.Marty mate, I still havn't got around to getting that mic, and I've already recommended the software to about 4 different people...this is a bit of a breakthrough in technology really, I'm sure the Telco's don't like it! Wonder if it will get banned soon? :nono:

[zadok]

No way. I think they are looking at the technology for themselves.

[oldrider]

Zadok, I have just installed broadband today and when I get settled I am going to download Skype. I have also ordered a headset and a camera (don't need that for Skype do ya). How does one begin? do I have to know your number or something? I will PM you when I am ready. Cheers John.

[zadok]

Zadok, I have just installed broadband today and when I get settled I am going to download Skype. I have also ordered a headset and a camera (don't need that for Skype do ya). How does one begin? do I have to know your number or something? I will PM you when I am ready. Cheers John.
Good to hear. I only use a mic. I don't think it supports web cam at the moment, but that doesn't interest me so much. My user name is zadok_oz

[Biff]

Saves me an absolute fortune on overseas telephalony costs. I use Skype out as well, so that I can phone land lines or mobiles - still a shit load cheaper than phoning from your own mobile or telephone.

Lets' hope that it remains free/cheap should EBay buy Skype within the next couple of weeks, as it's currently looking.

[Brian d marge]

Just found out that dial up works well with Sype as long as one of the parties is on broadband. So with more and more getting on broadband, give it a go if that is what has been holding you back from trying it.

yeah but it was my end the super fast 1000000 mbit per second end that caused the cut outs ...
Actually I think its me cpu ...but then I know nouwt about combiyutas ,,,
never mind we had a good ole chat !!!!

and all free ,,,,

Stephen

[oldrider]

Hey Biff I am going to bend this thread to acknowledge your new avatar, the old one was good but this one "rocks".
Back to the thread: Is E-Bay buying Skype to close it down??? or just to close the loop? Are you guys now saying one on broadband doesn't work with dial up after all?
I am a bit too late then. What a bastard!!! I was looking forward to it. John.

[zadok]

No, it is supposed to work fine with only one on broadband.