Making expensive international phone calls are now history, and
we have to give the credits to apps like Skype, Hangouts, Viber, WhatsApp,
Line, and WeChat just to name a few. Whether you're using a data plan or
connected to a Wi-Fi network, you have the liberty to take calls wherever you
may be. And although some may have additional charges for availing the advanced
features, it would still be considered cheaper compared to the traditional
overseas phone calls. Skype is a great help for businesses whenever the need
for meetings, conference calls, and chats arise.
But would you like to have a better Skype experience? Check out
these 5 simple tips and tricks that you can apply so that you can use Skype to
its fullest.
When you switch to another PC, you'll definitely won't find your
previous chat conversations with your family and friends on Skype. However,
there is a way to create a backup and explore your history if you're using a
Windows computer. This feature can be useful especially if you want to keep
your chat conversations for recordkeeping and/or documentation.
To do this, press the Windows key + [R] to launch the Run box.
Then type the command "%appdata%\Skype" then press [Enter]. When the
File Explorer window shows up, choose the folder labeled as your Skype
username, and then look for the "main.db" file. That particular file
is your IM chat history.
Alternatively, you can create a backup using the directory
"C:\Users\YOURWINDOWSNAME\AppData\Roaming\Skype", which you can copy
and then save to an external USB device. You can copy and then save them later
on if necessary.
During conference calls, it is advisable to mute your mic so
that you can hear the voice of the person you're talking to loud and clear.
Just imagine if there are ten people in a conference call and each of them have
their own background (a dog barking, a crying baby, an ambulance passing by,
car honks on a busy street) -- that would be a complete chaos. So if it's your
turn to talk, then that's the time to unmute your mic. Don't worry because
unmuting your mic will not actually disconnect you from the call and you will
still hear the other person/s talking.
If in case you are experiencing an unstable line connection on the other side (from some of the team members) or others can't access their computers, you can set up the online dial-in conferencing that everyone can access. Although this option is premium, this will ensure that everyone in the call will be kept in-sync with your meeting. The dial-in for US is (641) 715-3580. Participants will be given the conference codes, PINs, and local dial-ins in each country.
During a Skype conference call, you have the ability to share what's going on your computer screen among with the rest of the participants. However, there are times when doing this is a challenging to almost impossible due to low bandwidth or intermittent connection. You can solve this problem by using Join.Me. Simply send the link to the person or to the chat box (during conference calls), and they will be able to view your screen in no time once they click on it. This is most useful for participants who are non-Skype members since only registered users can make use of the screen sharing and file sharing options.
Are you using a mobile device to make your Skype calls? You can
download the Skype Wi-Fi app where you can check out the Skype Hotspots where
you can connect to within your area by viewing its worldwide map. Skype boasts
of having more than 2 million public hotspots all over the world.
