How to Conduct a Video Chat on Skype

Video calling was once relegated to cartoons and sci-fi films, but is now a reality thanks to applications like FaceTime, Skype and Google+ hangouts. In fact, according to a study released in 2010 by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, one in five Americans have at least tried to chat with someone using some sort of video calling service. The Skype user interface allows you to initiate, conduct and even optimize a video call with the click of a button.

Instructions

• Plug the computer's webcam into one of the computer's USB ports and, if necessary, turn on the webcam. Skip this step if your computer has a built-in webcam.
•  Click the "Start" button, move your cursor over the "All Programs" option and select the "Skype" program icon to launch the Skype desktop client.
•  Click on the contact that you want to initiate a video call with beneath the Contacts heading.
•  Click the "Video Call" button to initiate a video call with the selected contact.
•  Click the red "End Call" button to end the video call when you are finished.
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  Tips & Warnings

  • After you initiate the video call, Skype increases the video quality to match your Internet bandwidth limitations and computer speed.
  • The Technical Info window displays information about your Skype video call, including your bandwidth and frame rate. To view this window, click "Tools | Options | Advanced | Advanced Settings" and place a checkmark next to the "Display Technical Info" option.
  • In order to conduct a Skype video call, you must have a functioning webcam, microphone and speakers, high-speed broadband Internet connection and a DirectX 9.0c compatible video card.
  • Allow plenty of light to enter the room while conducting a video call, but do not sit with your back to an open window or light source, as this will cause your face to be shadowed.
  • Your video quality may be diminished due to the number of USB devices plugged into your computer. Disconnect any USB devices that are not in use before launching Skype.
  • For optimum video and audio quality, disable all firewall and virus scanner programs before placing your Skype video call.
  • If you are using a laptop, plug the laptop into a power outlet and take the device out of power saver mode for optimum performance.
  • Skype cannot connect to your webcam if another program is using the webcam at the same time. Close all other webcam programs before using Skype.
  • If Skype is not up to date on your computer and the computer you are attempting to place the video call to, you may be unable to place the call. Update Skype to its latest version before placing the call.
  • If your webcam drivers are not up to date, Skype may not be able to detect your webcam. Update your webcam drivers before using the webcam with Skype.

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