Video Tutorial - How to Use Skype.

Although Skype states their VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) application is relatively "easy to download, install and use", a visual tutorial may help those with installing and using this program for the first time. As apart of the best practises publication about Online Volunteerism being developed by Randy Tyler, MYS has facilitated the creation of many how-to videos.

In this context, Macdonald Youth Services (MYS) is pleased to share a video tutorial that provides an overview of how to download, install, configure and use Skype 2.5 for Windows. MYS extends their thanks to online volunteer Yu Cheng, who now lives in China, for creating the approximate nine minute video.

Using a combination of Skype's voice, chat and file transfer features, Macdonald Youth Services demonstrated that such an application can be an effective and efficient tool to help any non-profit advance projects undertaken by their far-flung volunteers.

And in addition to file transfer and one-to-one voice and text-based conversations, Skype also has additional capabilities, such as instant message group chats with up to 100 people, free voice conference calls with up to four people and video calls. Skype is also used as the preferred VoIP application by notable podcasters, where an interview format is used. Assuming you are not using a more advanced set-up (such as a firewire-based interface and/or mixer with XLR mics and headphones) Skype, or any VoIP application works best with a headset, preferably a USB-based headset such as the Plantronics DSP line.

If you are experiencing poor voice communication when using Skype, try setting up port forwarding on your router/ firewall to enable a direct connection. Through static port forwarding, a static port is assigned for Skype to use (in this configuration, to prevent Skype from becoming a server, do not leave your application running).