16 Chapter 2. Skype Quick Start I N THIS CHAPTER, YOU LEARN HOW TO: · · · · · D OWNLOAD AND INSTALL S KYPE V ERIFY THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED C REATE A S KYPE ACCOUNT S ET YOUR INITIAL PREFERENCES U SE S KYPE FOR THE FIRST TIME TO MAKE A CALL, SEND AN INSTANT MESSAGE (IM), AND TRANSFER A FILE Downloading and installing Skype can be done successfully without instructions, but a summary of the process is included in this chapter to help you get you up and running quickly on Skype. This chapter is for computer-savvy users who don't need detailed instructions. It summarizes Chap- ters 3 and 4, and covers installation procedures for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. For instruc- tions on other operating systems (Linux and Pocket PC), please see Chapter 3 If you are a beginning computer user, someone who wants more detailed downloading and installing instructions, or someone who wants to install Skype on Linux or Pocket PC, please refer first to Chapter 3 and then to Chapter 4. To install and run Skype, you generally don't need to know anything about networking, firewalls, routers, or other networking gear. You should be aware, however, that if you have a software firewall installed, you may have to reconfigure it to work with Skype. This is covered in Appendix C. Process Overview Here is a brief overview of the process of getting started: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Download and install the appropriate Skype application program from the Skype Web site (www.skype.com). Register and create a Skype account. Plug in a headset, microphone and speakers, or phone that works with your computer. Test that your setup is working properly. Start making calls, sending IMs, or transferring files to your friends, family members, and busi- ness associates. Equipment and Requirements To get the best sound quality and to be able to take advantage of the advanced features in Skype, you need a reasonably fast computer, a head-set or a set of speakers and a microphone, and a broadband connection (DSL, cable, or high-speed cellular wireless). For best performance, your computer should have approximately the capabilities shown in Table 2-1.