How to video-call with Skype

Skype allows you to make video calls over the Internet for free. DARYL LIM shows you how to set Skype up on your computer

The written letter may not be dead just yet. But these days, Internet video calls are the new way to communicate - especially among the young. High-speed broadband links to homes have made it easy to stay connected with loved ones. And you can now talk face to face despite being thousands of miles apart. To log on, you will need:

· The free Skype software. It supports Windows, Mac OS X and even Linux. Download from www.skype.com
· A webcam and microphone. You can get a webcam for under $40. Microphones cost less than $20 and are available from any computer hardware store.

Step 1: Install your webcam

If your computer or laptop came with a webcam built in, you can skip this step. Otherwise, most external webcams connect using an USB port. Plug it in and follow the steps detailed in your camera's manual to get your camera up and running on your computer.

Step 2: Install your microphone

Microphones require no special software drivers to work. On the front or rear of your computer, there should be a microphone port. It typically carries an icon of an arrow pointing either into a circle or a set of round brackets. Plug your microphone in.

Step 3: Download and install Skype

Once you have downloaded Skype, run the installer. Select your language, tick the checkbox numbered 2 and click Install. Skype will also offer to install an extension for your browser, which allows you to dial phone numbers directly from websites. Be aware that calling to an actual land line or mobile phone number instead of a computer incurs a charge. Finally, click Start Skype and you are up and running.

Step 4: Configure your account

To call with Skype, you will need a Skype account. When you first run Skype, the software will offer to set up an account for you. The Full Name field is optional - you can choose not to fill it in. In the Choose Skype Name field, enter a preferred username for all your future logins. Then fill in the password fields, tick the box and hit Next. The next screen will prompt you to enter your e-mail address. You may want to uncheck the box for the Skype news and special offers if you don't want to receive e-mail from Skype. The Country and City fields are, again, optional - leave them blank if you want to. Now, click Sign In. Congratulations, you're done with the setup. Step 5: Add your loved ones You are now at the main screen of Skype itself. Click the Add Contact button. Now, enter the e-mail address or Skype Name of the person you want to add, and click Find. A list of names will come up if you did not enter the exact Skype Name. Choose the right person and click Add Skype Contact. Your friend will have to approve the process before you can see him online. On the next screen, leave a message saying who you are and click Ok.

Step 6: Call, call, call

Now for the big payoff. Your contact is online and it's time to chat. Select his name and hit the big green button at the bottom of the screen. Skype will automatically recognise your webcam if it is plugged in. Now, chat for free!

Get Skype-savvy

· Skype is free to use for computer-to- computer calls. The software can also dial to land lines and certain mobile phones. But it costs 0.034 cents a minute to the United States, for example.

· If you choose to make a computer- to-computer call, your contact on the other end will also need a Skype account to receive your calls.
· Always protect your privacy online. Only add people you know and trust to your contact list. If you don't want others to use your account, disable auto-login. The option is available on the first screen whenever you run Skype.