The writing is on the wall for traditional phone companies. Since its debut in August 2003, Skype has grown tremendously in popularity due to its clear, free PC-to-PC Internet calls. Skype now supports 27 languages and boasts a user base in excess of 100 million around the world.
 
The basic application is free, but Skype makes money by selling premium services such as SkypeIn, SkypeOut, voice mail, call waiting, and ringtones. Skype recently announced that calling landline and cell numbers within the U.S. and Canada is free until the end of the year. This makes the service an even more attractive proposition.
 
In June 2006, eBay purchased Skype, with the idea of giving businesses and customers a fast, easy way to discuss transactions. This means that buyers can find out more about products before bidding, while sellers can create or even maintain relationships with their customers. It remains to be seen whether or not this $2.6 billion gamble pays off. Regardless, you can still sign up and use Skype the same way as before.
 
Skype introduced a number of new features in version 2.5, including a seamless automatic linkup with Outlook contacts, and the ability to send SMS messages from your Skype account (for a small fee) to mobile phones. The application now supports Skypecasts, which are hosted conference calls with up to 100 people. Users can even hold online lectures, where other participants are muted until the lecturer asks if anyone has questions.
 
In this guide, we'll tell you how to install Skype, how to make and receive calls, and how to use some of the advanced features that make this service a worthy substitute for a regular phone.

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