How to Use Skype: A Video Tutorial

[See More] http://www.mys.ca/volunter/how-to

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). For more information about routers, ports, security and setting up port forwarding for your specific router for Skype, please see the following resources:

Port Forward: Setting up your Router or Firewall
http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm

Security Now (Podcast)
Listener Feedback Q&A #6
http://media.grc.com/sn/SN-036-lq.mp3
Listener Feedback Q&A #7
http://media.grc.com/sn/SN-040-lq.mp3
NAT Traversal
http://media.grc.com/sn/SN-042-lq.mp3
Open Ports
http://media.grc.com/sn/SN-043-lq.mp3

Shields Up (Computer Port Security Scan)
http://www.grc.com/default.htm

As a reminder, all calls from Skype to landlines and cell phones within the US and Canada are also free until December 31, 2006.

To download the "How to Use Skype" video in other (higher quality) formats, including Flash, Flash Projectors (Windows and Mac), MPEG4, AVI and DivX, please visit the following URL now:

http://www.mys.ca/volunter/how-to

To subscribe or unsubscribe from MYS's Online Volunteering News and Announcements E-Mail List, please see the URL below:
http://mys.ca/cgi-bin/media/mail_list.pl

Macdonald Youth Services (MYS), a 77 year-old trusted and respected registered charitable healing and support agency based in Winnipeg, Canada, provides a variety of innovative and leading programming for thousands of Manitoba's young people on a yearly basis. MYS has been successfully utilizing highly-skilled online volunteers from around the globe to enhance their programs and services since 1998.

For Further Information:

Randy Tyler, Volunteer Co-ordinator/Webmaster
Macdonald Youth Services
http://mys.ca/volunter
Winnipeg, Canada
Ph: 1-204-949-4292
E: http://www.mys.ca/cgi-bin/randy_email.cgi
W: http://www.mys.ca/aov
Skype: randytyler_canada