Getting Started

Creating an Account and Making Contact

1. Go to the Skype website: skype.com. If you don’t have a Skype account already, click the green “Download Skype” button in the middle of the page. This will take you to the account creation screen.

2. Enter your information. You will need to enter your real name and a valid email address. You will also need to choose the correct Country/Region, and create a Skype username and password. The username will be displayed publicly; only people on your contact list can see your real name.

3. Download Skype. Skype will automatically detect the operating system you are using and provide you a download link to the correct version. Click the large green button to begin downloading.

4. Install Skype. Once the download is complete, open the file to install Skype. Most users can keep the recommended settings.

5. Open the program. You will be asked to sign in with your Skype username, your Microsoft account, or your Facebook account, depending on the option you chose during your account creation. Enter the necessary information and sign in.

6. Choose a profile picture. Upon starting Skype for the first time, you will be asked to choose a profile picture. This is an optional step but makes it easier for your contacts to recognize you. For educators, it is a good idea to use a consistent, professional profile picture for all your professional social media accounts.

7. Configure your webcam and microphone. During the first time startup, Skype will attempt to test your webcam and microphone. If they are properly connected to your computer, you should see an image from your webcam appear in a box. Speak a few words into the microphone to make sure that it is working properly.

8. Add contacts. Once Skype is up and running, you will be presented with your profile. Your list of contacts appears on the left side of the application and is most likely currently empty. To add contacts, click the “+” button next to the person icon above the contacts list.

• Search by name, email address, or Skype username.
• Select the person that you want to add from the results list. This will open their profile in the right frame of the app. You can send them a text message, call them, or add them to your contacts. Click the blue link in the text area to add them to your contact list.

9. Decide if you want to voice chat or video chat.

• If you want to start a voice chat: You can voice chat with any Skype user for free. Select them from the contact list and then press the Call button. A notification will appear on their screen letting them know that you are trying to reach them.
  • You can only initiate voice calls with users that are online.
• If you want to start a video chat: You can video chat with any Skype user for free. Select them from the contact list and then press the “Video call” button. A notification will appear on their screen letting them know that you are trying to reach them.
  • You can only initiate video calls with users that are online.