Five Cool Things You Can Do With Skype

Beyond Internet Calling: Skype Advanced Features

You probably know that you can make free phone calls over the Internet with Skype, and that you can also use it to call landlines and mobile phones all over the world at very low rates. In a related article, I also revealed how to make Free Skype Calls on a Cell Phone. But there are some lesser-known and advanced features that you should know about.

(1) Free conference calling has never been easier. Whether your family, friends or business contacts want to get together, keeping in touch is possible no matter where they are. You can have up to 25 participants in a free Skype conference call. One-to-one video calling is also free with Skype, but if you want 3 or more people in a video call, you'll need a paid account. Video conferencing and screen sharing are available with a Skype Premium or business account, which starts at $4.99 a month. See Free Conference Calls With Skype for more details about Skype conference calling, and some other alternatives.

(2) Manage Contacts and Block Nuisance Callers When it comes to adding Skype contacts, you can import a single name by searching for other Skype users by email address, phone number, full name or Skype name. You can also enter an entire address book at once by importing contacts from your Outlook Express or Facebook contact lists.

Unfortunately, there are often contacts that you would rather not have. It's easy to block one if you use Windows by simply going into the Contacts or Recent tab. If you have OS X, bring up the sidebar and block from there. In both cases, you can choose to report the person as abusive and Skype will store and mark his/her name. You can also change your settings so that only those who are in your contact list can call you. I found this especially useful when I started getting those annoying Skype Urgent Online Repair scam calls. Click Tools > Options > Privacy to block unwanted callers.

(3) Record Your Skype Calls. In addition to calling, you can record the audio and save it for later use. Unfortunately, this feature is not built into Skype, but there are tools to get the job done. One of the most popular free Skype recording tools is Pamela. The free version for Windows can record Skype calls up to 15 minutes, and video calls up to 5 minutes long. Paid versions give you unlimited voice, video and chat recording capability. There's also the free MP3 Skype Recorder which has no recording limitations, and can do automatic and "stealth mode" recording. There are Skype recording apps available for Apple users like IMCapture for Mac OS X, and iPhone/iPad apps too.

(4) Skype Games and Whiteboarding While we are on the subject of apps, drawing on Skype has come a long way. Originally there was a Sketchpad tool, but it has been replaced by much more efficient whiteboards like uSeeToo. Not only can you play chess, make collages and share photos with other Skypers, the Java app lets you draw freehand and geometric shapes. You can also try out Easybits GameXN GO, an app for playing free games on Skype. After you and a friend download it, choose between thousands of titles from action to sports to puzzles.

(5) Skype Home Security Camera. With a bit of fiddling, you can use Skype to create your own free do-it-yourself security camera system. If you've ever wanted to check up on your house while you're away on vacation, see what the dog does while you're out, or spy on the babysitter, this Skype Video Security How-To will show you the steps to set it up.

Do you have tips to share about other fun, interesting or useful Skype uses? Post your comment or question below...