The Saturday Post
As some of you may have read (for instance, here and here), Skype is vital to my existence as a long-distance grandma. Jim and I -- and Bubby and Megan, too, I hope -- excitedly await our weekly Skype sessions.
Judging by a few comments and e-mails I've received, though, many folks -- and not just grandmas! -- are still a bit intimidated by video chatting in general and Skype in particular. So here I offer you an explanation of Skyping, straight from the source:
Yep, it's as simple as that!
(By the way, did you notice "Lisa" and "James" in the list of contacts. I swear, it's not me, it's not Jim. I found that pretty amusing.)
One thing the little video above doesn't tell you is that you first need to download the program and install it on your computer. You'll find that on the Skype website.
Another very important thing the video doesn't mention: You need a decent Internet connection. There's nothing more frustrating than getting a glimpse of your grandchild grinning from ear to ear then CRASH, he's gone. Or the video freezes up. Or the whole experience feels like you're viewing a jerky reel-to-reel film on its last leg. Believe me; I've been there.
Once you have those three things in hand -- the know-how (from the video), the program (from Skype) and a decent connection (from whomever you have your connection with) -- you're on your way to Skyping with your sweeties!
Let me know how it goes!
Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated in any way with Skype and they paid me nothing for this plug. Although I really think they should.
Today's question:
How often do you video chat, using Skype or any other video-chat program?
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Reader Comments (5)
When the S.O. travels for work, we video chat. If we talk on the phone, it seems like we can't think of anything to say. But when we can look at each other and talk, we joke around and have a good time. I have video chatted with my niece a few times but her connection was only so-so and caused the problems you mentioned.
As you know, my connection speed is worse than so-so and Skype is way too modern for me...
but I'd love to start trying to do it. First, I'm going to have to acquire a faster connection speed, then come back to these instructions. Thanks for posting them.
My son has gone on 2 mission trips to China and we have been able to chat via Skype! Such a blessing! And AMAZING! The audio is so clear! It's literally like he is calling from the next room when he is on the other side of the world!
I must admit that I have not tried Skype yet, but plan to in the near future. I think it would be so much better than just talking to my grandson on the phone. Sometimes he gets preoccupied by something, and doesn't say much at all. I think if we saw each other, his attention span might increase (at least by a minute or two!) I gotta try it out. Thanks Lisa!
We did Skype for everyone for Christmas this year so we could all share from across the country. Even the Great Grandma and Grandpa are in the loop - soooo much fun! Don't think I could live without it these days!
Kristin