Skype The Definitive Guide

by Max, Harry; Ray, Taylor

• ISBN13: 9780321409409
• ISBN10: 032140940X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-05-05
• Publisher: Que Publishing

Summary

The official resource guide to using and maximizing Skype.

Author Biography

Harry Max is the CIO for Debix, Inc., a start-up focused on solutions for identity theft.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xvii
Preface	xix
About the Authors	xxiii
What Is Skype?	2	(24)
Skype Basics	3	(1)
A Global Application	4	(1)
Brief Overview of Features	4	(1)
How Skype Is Unique	4	(1)
Overview of How Skype Works	5	(2)
SkypeOut	7	(2)
SkypeOut Costs	8	(1)
SkypeOut Global Rates	8	(1)
SkypeOut Individual Rates	8	(1)
SkypeIn	9	(1)
Devices That Work with Skype	10	(4)
Desktop Computer	10	(1)
Wireless Laptops or PDAs Running Pocket PC	11	(1)
Residential Cordless and Dual-Mode Internet Phones	11	(2)
Multimode Cellular Phones	13	(1)
Wi-Fi Phones	14	(1)
Summary of Major Features	14	(6)
Making Calls	14	(1)
Receiving Calls	15	(1)
Voicemail	15	(1)
Setting Preferences	16	(1)
Instant Messaging or Chat	17	(1)
Transferring Files	17	(1)
Profile and Account Management	18	(2)
The Skype Story	20	(6)
A Potential Solution	20	(1)
P2P Computing	21	(1)
KaZaA	22	(1)
A New Idea	22	(1)
Skype Beta	23	(1)
Skype Today	23	(3)
Skype Quick Start	26	(20)
Process Overview	27	(1)
Equipment and Requirements	28	(1)
Download and Install Skype	28	(1)
Create a New Skype Account	29	(4)
Microsoft Windows Users	29	(2)
Mac OS X Users	31	(2)
Make a Test Call	33	(1)
Microsoft Windows Users	34	(1)
Mac OS X Users	34	(1)
Set Your Preferences	34	(4)
Microsoft Windows Users	35	(2)
Mac OS X Users	37	(1)
Add Contacts	38	(4)
Microsoft Windows Users	38	(2)
Mac OS X Users	40	(2)
Import Contacts	42	(1)
Make a Call	42	(1)
Make a Call to a Landline or Cell Phone(SkypeOut)	43	(1)
Start a Chat (Send an Instant Message)	43	(1)
Transfer a File	44	(1)
Update Your Personal Profile	44	(2)
Details of Installing Skype	46	(26)
Installation Summary	47	(1)
Things You Need to Know	48	(4)
Minimum System Requirements	48	(1)
Recommended System Requirements	49	(1)
How Much Does Skype Cost?	50	(1)
Computer Connection and Headset Costs	50	(1)
Skype-to-Skype Is Free	51	(1)
Voicemail	51	(1)
Test Your Connection Speed (Optional)	51	(1)
Installing Skype on Microsoft Windows 2000/XP	52	(7)
Downloading Skype to Your Windows PC	52	(2)
Using the Skype Setup Wizard	54	(3)
Installing the Skype Web Toolbar (Optional)	57	(1)
Uninstalling Skype from Windows	58	(1)
Installing Skype on Mac OS X	59	(2)
Uninstalling Skype from Mac OS X	60	(1)
Installing Skype on Windows Mobile--Based Pocket PC	61	(2)
Downloading Skype to the Pocket PC Device (Preferred Method)	61	(1)
Downloading Skype to the PC First (Alternative Method)	62	(1)
Uninstalling Skype from Pocket PC	62	(1)
Installing Skype on Linux	63	(9)
Downloading Skype Using Linux	65	(1)
Installing Skype with rpm	66	(1)
Installing Skype with tar	67	(1)
Configuring Linux for Skype	67	(1)
Run Skype with ALSA in OSS Emulation Mode	67	(1)
Set Nonblocking Mode in modules.conf	68	(1)
Start Skype Using KDE	68	(1)
Verify Permissions for /dev/dsp	68	(1)
Disable the Capture Channel on the Sound Card (or Chip)	68	(1)
Run Skype on a Proxied Network	68	(1)
Uninstalling Skype from Linux	69	(1)
Uninstalling Skype with tar	69	(1)
Uninstalling Skype with rpm	70	(2)
Details of Using Skype for the First Time	72	(44)
Create a New Skype Account	73	(10)
Microsoft Windows	73	(4)
Skype Main Window (Microsoft Windows)	77	(1)
Mac OS X and Linux	78	(3)
Skype Main Window (Mac OS X and Linux)	81	(1)
Pocket PC	82	(1)
Make a Test Call	83	(2)
Testing Your Microphone	85	(1)
Microsoft Windows	85	(1)
Mac OS X	85	(1)
Pocket PC	86	(1)
Linux	86	(1)
Add Contacts	86	(6)
Microsoft Windows	87	(2)
Mac OS X	89	(3)
Set Your Skype Preferences	92	(5)
Microsoft Windows Preferences	92	(2)
Mac OS X Preferences	94	(1)
Pocket PC Preferences	95	(1)
Linux Preferences	96	(1)
Make a Call	97	(1)
End a Call	98	(1)
Receive a Call	99	(1)
Start a Chat (Send an Instant Message)	99	(2)
Transfer a File	101	(1)
Your Personal Profile	102	(2)
View a Profile	102	(1)
Update Your Own Profile	102	(2)
Summary of Preference Menus	104	(12)
Microsoft Windows Preferences Menu Summary	104	(4)
Mac OS X Preferences Menu-Summary	108	(2)
Pocket PC Preferences Menu Summary	110	(1)
Linux Preferences Menu Summary	111	(5)
Using Skype Every Day	116	(48)
Skype Experience	117	(1)
General Features	118	(14)
Skype Contacts	118	(1)
Send a Contact to Another Skype User	118	(1)
Invite Someone to Use Skype	119	(1)
Delete a Contact	119	(1)
Block a Contact	120	(1)
Contact Groups	120	(1)
Create a Group	120	(1)
Display a Group	121	(1)
Remove a Contact from a Group	121	(1)
Delete a Group	122	(1)
Display All Contacts (Ungrouped)	122	(1)
Display a Skype Predefined Group	123	(1)
Make a Conference Call, Start a Multiperson Chat, or Send a File to a Group	123	(1)
Online Status Icons	124	(2)
Authorizations and Online Status	126	(1)
Privacy Features	127	(1)
Your Personal Profile	128	(1)
Add, Edit, or Delete the Text in Your Profile	128	(1)
Add a Picture to Your Profile	129	(1)
Change Password	130	(1)
Change Skype into Another Language	130	(1)
Upload a Ringtone	130	(1)
Skype Toolbars (Optional)	131	(1)
Skype Widget for Mac OS X	131	(1)
Voice Calls	132	(12)
Make a Call	132	(1)
Make a Conference Call	133	(1)
Add Participants to a Live Conference Call	134	(1)
Receive a Call	135	(2)
Adjust the Volume of a Call	137	(1)
End a Call	137	(1)
Call a Landline or Cell Phone (Use SkypeOut)	137	(1)
Buy SkypeOut Credit	137	(2)
Buy SkypeOut Credit for a Group	139	(1)
Make a SkypeOut Call	139	(1)
Receive a Call from a Landline or Cell Phone (Use SkypeIn)	139	(1)
Buy a Skypeln Number (with Voicemail)	140	(2)
Buy SkypeIn Numbers for a Group	142	(1)
View and Clear Call History	142	(1)
Forward Calls from Skype	143	(1)
Activate Call Forwarding	143	(1)
Deactivate Call Forwarding	144	(1)
Voicemail	144	(3)
Listen to a Voicemail	146	(1)
Send a Voice Message	146	(1)
Record a Voicemail Greeting	146	(1)
Video Calls	147	(4)
Receive a Video Call	147	(1)
Make a Video Call	148	(3)
Chat (Instant Messaging)	151	(8)
Send an IM (Start a Chat Session)	151	(3)
Start a Multiperson Chat	154	(1)
Add a Participant to a Live Chat	155	(1)
Transfer a File While Chatting	156	(1)
Make a Call While Chatting	156	(1)
Bookmark a Chat (Create a Persistent Chat)	156	(2)
Start a Chat from a Recent Chat	158	(1)
View and Clear Chat History	158	(1)
File Transfers	159	(5)
Send a File to an Individual	159	(1)
Send a File to a Group	160	(1)
Send a File to All Participants in a Multiperson Chat	160	(1)
Accept or Deny a File Transfer	161	(3)
How People Use Skype	164	(12)
Online Communities	165	(1)
Skype Stories	166	(10)
Extend Business Relationships	166	(1)
Support Virtual Teams	166	(1)
Leave Late-Night Messages	166	(1)
Reach Clients in Different Time Zones	166	(1)
Do Business at 35,000 Feet	167	(1)
Host International Conferences	167	(1)
Take Meeting Minutes	167	(1)
Reach New Educational Audiences	167	(1)
Extend Classrooms	168	(1)
Teach and Mentor	168	(1)
Build Student Communities	168	(1)
Connect with People in Remote Places	168	(1)
Stay in Touch During Emergencies	169	(1)
Locate Family and Friends	169	(1)
Bypass Congested Networks	170	(1)
Communicate During Wartime	170	(1)
Meet People from Other Countries	170	(2)
Develop New Hobbies and Skills	172	(1)
Learn a Language	172	(1)
Make Music Online	172	(1)
Play Online	172	(1)
Rehearse	173	(1)
Share Music	173	(1)
Find Love	173	(1)
Keep Families Connected over Long Distances (and Short Ones, Too)	173	(1)
Share the Small Stuff	173	(1)
Date Long-Distance	174	(1)
Stop Yelling	174	(1)
Cook Traditional Family Recipes	174	(1)
Help Grandpa Hear	175	(1)
Troubleshooting	176	(15)
Unable to Connect to the Skype Network: Error 1101, 1102, or 1103	177	(2)
Trouble Connecting at Home	177	(1)
Trouble Connecting at Work or School	178	(1)
Microsoft Windows DEP	178	(1)
Echo and Sound-Quality Problems	179	(1)
Turn Echo Cancellation On	179	(1)
Reduce Bandwidth Consumption	180	(1)
Disable the Capture Channel on the Sound Card (or Chip)	180	(1)
Trouble Making Calls or Processing Payments	180	(2)
Skype Call Failure: Error 6503, 6504, 10500, or 10503	180	(1)
SkypeOut Call Failure: Error 1040x or 1050x	180	(1)
SkypeOut Account Suspension: Error 9403, 9407, or 9408	181	(1)
You Can't Hear	182	(1)
Others Can't Hear You	183	(5)
Microsoft Windows	183	(3)
Mac OS X	186	(2)
Other Problems	188	(3)
Skype Dial Buttons and Interactive Voice Menu Problems	188	(1)
File-Transfer Problems	188	(1)
How to Avoid Relayed Transfers (Advanced Users Only)	189	(1)
CPU Overload	189	(1)
Router Hardware Issues	190	(1)
A. Skype Architecture	191	(12)
A Brief History of P2P Networks	191	(7)
The Earliest P2P Networks and Applications	193	(1)
First-Generation P2P Networks and Applications	193	(2)
Second-Generation P2P Networks and Applications	195	(1)
Third-Generation P2P Networks and Applications	196	(2)
Skype Client Application and Network	198	(5)
Intelligent Routing with Supernodes	198	(1)
Supernodes and Relay Hosts	199	(1)
Centralized Global Index User Directory	200	(1)
Firewall and NAT Traversal	201	(2)
B. Skype Security	203	(14)
Skype Security Linked to Architecture	203	(1)
Skype Transport-Layer Security	204	(6)
Skype User Authentication	205	(1)
How a Session Is Established	206	(3)
How Encryption Is Handled	209	(1)
Security and File Transfers	210	(1)
Skype User Authorizations (Privacy)	211	(1)
Where Sensitive Data Is Stored	212	(2)
Adware and Spyware	214	(1)
Skype Security Evaluation	214	(3)
C. Advanced Setup	217	(30)
End-User System Configuration	217	(11)
Sound Setup	217	(1)
Windows 2000 or Windows XP (Classic Style)	218	(2)
Microsoft Windows XP (XP Style)	220	(3)
Mac_OS X 10.3 (Panther) or Later	223	(2)
Linux	225	(1)
OSS	225	(1)
ALSA	226	(1)
KDE Default: aRts	227	(1)
GNOME Default: ESD	227	(1)
GStreamer, NMM, and NAS	228	(1)
``Hijack'' /dev/dsp for Different Playback and Recording Devices	228	(1)
Software ``Personal'' Firewalls	228	(11)
Windows Firewall for Windows XP Service Pack 2	229	(1)
Individual PC	229	(2)
Group Policy Settings	231	(1)
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security	231	(3)
McAfee Personal Firewall Plus	234	(1)
Symantec Norton Personal Firewall	235	(2)
ZoneAlarm Pro	237	(1)
Mac OS X Firewall	238	(1)
Run Multiple Instances of Skype	239	(1)
Translate the Skype User Interface into Other Languages	240	(1)
IT Administration and Network Configuration	240	(7)
Verifying Installer Authenticity	241	(1)
Microsoft Windows	241	(2)
Problems with a Digital Signature	243	(1)
Skype on a Local-Area Network	243	(1)
Configuring Local-Area Networks and Hardware Firewalls	244	(1)
Is Your Network Skype-Friendly?	245	(1)
Skype and Proxies	245	(1)
Antivirus Scanners	245	(1)
Disabling File Transfers in Windows	246	(1)
Index	247

Excerpts

It's been many years since Brendan Kehoe wroteZen and the Art of the Internetto demystify some of the key ideas behind "the Net," including how to use e-mail, share files, and create Web pages using HTML. WhenZen and the Art of the Internetwas published, Amazon.com was barely a year old. Can you imagine life without Amazon, Netflix, or Google?More recently, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about the legality of file sharing and whether it promotes innovation or invites theft from movie studios and record companies. Can you imagine modern music distribution without an MP3 player or iPod?And indeed, this is where our story begins, because file sharing using advanced peer-to-peer networking technology is finally delivering on the promise of "communicating with other nations as if it were a commonplace occurrence." In the same way that the nature of e-mail transformed how we interact on a daily basis, Skype is now changing how and when we call one another, creating new habits of communication as a result.Traditionally, the act of placing a telephone call required specialized equipment and a dedicated circuit-switched network that callers had to pay to use. Skype uses the Internet as the network, so callers make crystal-clear calls from computer to computer to anywhere in the world free of charge, or from computer to landline (or wireless) phone for a fraction of the cost. And in countries where the telephone infrastructure is outdated or not well developed, Skype makes the experience of calling to and from these places better. The process is reliable; the quality is better; and communicating is dramatically less expensive.Skype is the fastest-growing communication service in the world, with more than 75 million registered users and more than 150,000 new users being added each day. Like the advent of e-mail, the Skype phenomenon is changing the way we communicate. It's changing how we organize communications and how we incorporate new technology into the patterns of our personal and professional lives.Our hope is that this book will help you understand Skype and the basics of the technology. If you're not yet using Skype, this book provides easy-to-follow steps for installing and using it effectively. If you are already using Skype, this book shows you how other people are taking advantage of it and how to optimize your own use of Skype. Target Audience for This BookThis book is both for people who are new to Skype and for existing Skype users who want to optimize their use of Skype. This book is designed to get new users up and running quickly on Skype, and for existing Skype users, this book offers a comprehensive explanation of Skype's features and functions. For network administrators and IT personnel, this book covers Skype's architecture and security model, as well as advanced configuration topics. How This Book Is OrganizedChapters 1 and 2 present the essence of what you need to know to understand, install, configure, and use Skype using Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. Chapters 3 and 4 provide in-depth installation and configuration procedures for beginning computer users and for users of the Pocket PC and Linux operating systems. Chapter 5 describes how to use all of Skype's features and functions. Chapter 6 describes how Skype is being used all over the world, and Chapter 7 outlines the steps to take when Skype is not working properly. Appendixes A, B, and C cover more technical topics: the Skype architecture, security model, and advanced configuration.