Skype

Yorkie1

I've just downloaded Skype for my laptop, had trauma trying to remove a photo I added to my profile (now replaced with anonymous one again), and want to double check whether I need to do anything else.

The Skype site looks easy to navigate but I'm none the wiser! With family abroad, I think we'll try to connect using the webcam / laptop microphone. Do I need to buy any credit for this, or will it work without me doing anything else?

And how will family know how to contact me? I don't have their Skype details.

I'm usually quite good at working this sort of stuff out but this has somewhat defeated me.

Thanks in advance.

Anne_Marie_2

If your family all have Skype, then you won't need to add any credit, as Skype to Skype calls are free. The only reason you would need credit is if you intended calling landlines or mobile phones via Skype.

Regarding contact details, just pass your Skype details on to your family, or get theirs and add them to your contact list.

cheddar_caveman

Nope, Skype is completely free as long as you don't call their mobiles or similar. We live on Skype with family in Indonesia and Australia and hasn't cost a penny - great programme!

Yorkie1

Thanks, both. That's reassuring.

It's quite an intrusive piece of software, isn't it? Something on the toolbar which I can't get rid of, and the Skype symbol is inserted in front of phone numbers which I type in e.g. an email (and the text turned blue like a hyperlink). Wasn't expecting that.

macman

The default is for it to load at boot up, so just change the defaults if you don't want that.

RumRat

I'm guessing you downloaded the Windows 8 app.
If you download the desktop version and only log in when you need it, those things won't happen.
Register for a Skype account and log in with that instead of your windows ID.
Download from here.

Yorkie1

I think I downloaded the desktop version as I don't have windows 8? Where would I look to tell if I've downloaded the right one?

I have managed to remove the icon from the toolbar by unticking the 'launch with windows' (or similar) box somewhere.

It's still doing the odd Skype formatting for phone numbers written in other programmes / email but I guess if I have to live with than then so be it.

RumRat

Are you using Internet Explorer as your browser?

Yorkie1

Yes, it's either IE 9 or 10 (think it's probably 10).

RumRat

OK, I don't use IE and don't get the effect you describe, so, I'm guessing that they add something to IE since Microsoft bought Skype.
Have a look at the addons, you might be able to remove it. Or, try another browser.

Anne_Marie_2

This should help.
http://community.skype.com/t5/Other-features/How-to-Disable-or-Remove-the-Click-and-Call-Function/m-p/69602/message-uid/69602#U69602