Instructional Computing Services
Faculty Help Pages

Last update:  7 March, 2006; RKH

How can I make telephone calls over the Internet (with Voice over IP)?

Voice over IP Facilities:  Making Telephone Calls on the Internet with a Computers

Faculty can use Skype, a free VoIP client, for placing audio telephone calls routed through digital Internet lines.  All participants must have a computer, with Skype installed, connected to the Internet.  We have seen this used for teaching and research tasks such as conferences and thesis committee meetings while one member is overseas.

For more information about how to download and use Skype: http://www.skype.com/help/guides/howtoskype/  Versions are provided for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux systems.  Skype is available on our checkout laptop computers.

  Homepage: http://www.skype.com
  FAQ: http://support.skype.com/?_a=knowledgebase

What do I have to do? 

1. Find a microphone and speakers, if possible, or a simple headset.  Your built-in computer microphone and speakers may be good enough.
2. Install Skype, make sure that you're connected to the Internet, and set up a Skype Name for yourself so that you will appear on the list of Contacts.  Have your colleagues do the same and add them to your Contact List.
3. Arrange a time, then launch Skype and place a call, choosing participants from your Contact List.

Details:  http://www.skype.com/help/guides/

Can I make a conference call with Skype? 
  Yes, with up to five participants.  Only the host (the initiator of the call) can add others; that person should have the best Internet connection.

Can I use Skype to call a regular telephone, on a landline or a cell, from my computer? 
  Yes, although there is a charge.  See the SkypeOut service described at the Skype website.  Other paid services include SkypeIn, for receiving telephone calls on a computer, and Skype Voicemail.