How To Use Skype’s Conference Feature

Skype is a free Voip (voice over internet protocol) service with downloadable software for conferencing at http://www.skype.com. The popular “Skype Me!” service allows people around the globe to hook up for free (in 27 countries at the time of this writing) using global telephony via the internet to anyone else who also has the Skype service. You can also call landlines with Skype on your computer for a small amount per minute as compared with regular phone service rates. Easy to use, Skype can be downloaded and used with almost any computer system.


Download and Installation Instructions

Turn on your computer and follow these steps:

1. Go to Skype.com and download their free software.
2. Click and install the software on your hard drive following their step-by-step automated instructions, as the software configures itself for your computer system and network.
3. Register with Skype and get a user ID.
4. Get a headset for your computer (eBay has a variety of inexpensive kinds & sound quality is awesome, so you shouldn’t have to worry about cheap brands.)

How To Use Conferencing In Skype…

1. Open Skype. Head to “Tools” then “Create Conference”
2. “Conference Topic” - Create a name for your conference here in this box.
3. Then choose your Conference Participants (for the right-hand box) from the left-hand box of All Contacts, adding them individually until you get 2-4.
4. When you have all your participants, click the Start button at the bottom of the window.
5. Use same features as you would during regular calls during conference.
6. Call Record is available on the High Speed Plus+ service. You have to press *7 on the Dial Pad, or the RECORD button on the Conference Controls after you have signed into the service.
7. When finished, hit the End Call or red phone (bottom right) button.
8. A window will appear asking if you are sure you want to End Conference - answer accordingly.

Keep an eye out for upgrades that allow up to 10 callers per conference, plus option paid features with Vapps service to coordinate advanced usage features with Skype. For now, you sure can’t beat the free service, when it costs quite a bit to conference call with landline phones. Also, realize you direct dial and hook up everyone yourself, so there is no need for scheduling in advance and getting operator assistance. Plus, you have unlimited time to talk (most conferences require cut off after 4 hours) and don’t need any number or letter codes to enter to access the conferencing. Have fun conferencing!