Call using Skype on your computer.
Making an international call through Skype is a great way to save money and talk with friends across the world. Skype is a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) platform that allows for you to make telephone calls over your Internet connection. You can call other Skype users for free, or you can call landlines or cell phones; though that requires the purchase of Skype credits. The cost per minute to call a landline or cell phone will depend on the country of residence of the person you are calling.
Instructions
1. Turn on your computer by pressing the power button and then letting the Windows 7 operating system load. Plug the microphone audio plug into the microphone jack on the front or rear of your computer, depending upon the make or model of computer. Place the microphone within a foot of your mouth for better audio pickup. Plug the speakers into the audio out ports and place the speakers to either side of your computer for stereo sound.
2. Sign in to your Skype account by first double clicking on your Skype icon. Enter your account name and password to log in to your account. Enter the name of the person that you want to call into the search bar on your contact menu. Alternatively you can just double click on that person's name in the contact list. To call a contact internationally for free using Skype, that contact also needs to have a Skype account. If the name has a phone icon next to it, or you are dialing a landline or mobile number, then you will need to pay for the call via Skype credits because there is a connection charge to the phone network. Skype calls are only free if they are made to other Skype users.
3. Make an international call to a landline or mobile phone by first entering the international call out number in the dialing area in Skype. For the U.S. the exit number is 011; this number tells the phone exchange that you are dialing out of the country. Then you enter the country code for the number you are dialing. This number can be found on numerous lists online or the Web page of the embassy for that country. Finally dial the actual number of the phone that you wish to call.
4. Click on the green "Call" button to call that contact. Wait for the call to connect. Skype rings just like a normal phone service while making a call. The bars indicate your call connection quality just like on a cell phone. If this call is being made to a phone then it willl cost a certain amount of Skype credits. The cost will be around two cents for most countries depending upon your VAT (value added tax) rate.
5. Click on the red button to end the call when you are done. Alternatively you can simply click on the mute button to mute the connection and leave it idle while you attend to other things.
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