Skype

Skype is an Instant Messaging (IM) software to make calls from computer to computer or computer to telephone. Other than owning common functions of IM software such as text/video chat, file transfer, chat history etc, Skype especially focus on voice talk/telephone call, whose cheap price and easy manipulation gain popularity among a large number of people.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • free to other people on Skype and cheap to landliness and cell phones around the world.
  • Imports contacts from email-based applications which have been installed on the computer.
  • Finds people on MySpace using MySpaceIM with Skype.
  • Uses the Business Control Panel to manage multiple Skype Credit expenditure.
  • Sends faxes, implements conference call, connects to Official website to browse news, do shopping, listen to music etc.
  • Sets up a phone number in another country, which will rings on the computer.

• Cons:
  • Cannot replace the ordinary telephone for emergency calling.
  • Synchronization of sound largely depends on the speed of internet connection.
  • Doesn't use standard signalling protocols and is incompatible with other software.
  • Cannot guarantee end-to-end service quality, especially when the service crosses continents.