Thorough Skype Manual
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13 Jun, 2010I thought this was a great technical manual. Although I mostly knew the meat of the book already, being an avid Skype user for years now, it's still a great read especially for the Skype newbie. I did notice he seemed to repeat in several spots, but it was probably necessary for the explanations. If he updates it, I'd like to see updated pics for the latest version of Skype, and maybe some reviews of the top 25 Skype apps. That would complete it:)
The Best "How To" book I've Ever Read!!......
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17 Mar, 2010I have always been fascinated by the concept of "Video phone" whenever I have seen it demonstrated at various shows and expositions. When I learned from a computer systems consultant that there was a program called SKYPE that enabled computer users to have "video phone" via the Internet. With brief investigation,I learned that one could download Skype for FREE. Anything offered free, in my experience is often NOT WORTH THE PRICE. But, I decided to give it a try.
Then, through Amazon, I read several reviews of books that explained how to maximize the benefits of Skype. Based on positive reviews, I ordered "Skype Me. Since, "Skype Me" arrived, it has occupied a prominent position on my desk. I refer to it daily. I now use Skype daily to contact family and friends, all over the U.S. and Canada.
Here is Skype's best feature, when you and the person you call both use Skype, you can talk as long as you want, and there is no charge for the call. I have a condo in Cancun, Mexico, which I call almost daily. And, with close friends in Mexico I am now starting a Business which will serve customers throughout Spanish-Speaking latin America. The book provides valuable insights for both the individual as well as the business-user. Michael Gough, author of "Skype Me", is also the host of a Website entitled "[...]", between his book and his website Mike Gough has helped Skype users like me to maximize the performance, enjoyment, and value of Skype Software. "Skype Me" is a lengthy volume, over 400 pages, and every chapter gives the reader solid advice and direction that will help maximize the total Skype experience.
Bottom Line, investment in a copy of this book provides the buyer with an incredibly healthy return-on-investment. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! John Tyler Gibson, Livonia, Michigan & Cancun, Mexico.
Best book on Skype add-ons and tweaks to get to to work the way you want
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20 Apr, 2006Skype is a simple to implement Voice Over IP (VOIP) solution for the average computer user. If you are tired of long-distance charges, want to be able to tell when someone is online and you can call them, chat in a secure, encrypted environment, engage in video chatting with others, or call someone who has a regular phone system at substantially reduced rates then Skype may be the product you need. This book covers installation, configuration, and basic usage as well as configuring advanced features and personalizing your Skype. While this is useful, I found the software to be so user friendly that it was easy to figure out most of this by just exploring the basic options of the system. That being said Chapters seven and eight were well worth the price of the book by themselves. These chapters cover software and hardware add-ons that can greatly enhance your Skype system and make it work the way you would like it to. The final two sections of the book cover setting up Skype in a business environment and writing custom interfaces to it by accessing the Skype API. This section includes important information on how to set up Skype behind a firewall. Skype Me is a highly recommended purchase and a great way to access the VOIP world for anyone with a computer and good Internet access speed.
Perfect Skype book
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13 Mar, 2006Skype Me! is the perfect introduction to Skype for users of all skill levels. It could serve as an example of how to write a product-centric book that delivers real value. The text is well written, clear, and focused. The material becomes progressively complex as the reader moves from learning about Skype, to installing it, to using it, to extending it into areas I hadn't previously considered. Anyone who wants to get the most out of Skype should read Skype Me!
I believe Skype is an incredibly intuitive and simple piece of software. I didn't spend much time with the first four chapters of the book, since I think the ease of installing and using Skype is one of its main attractions. Beginning with Ch 5, however, author Michael Gough started expanding my sense of what could be done by Skype. With advanced features in Ch 6, software add-ons in Ch 7, and hardware accessories in Ch 8, I was entering new territory. The material was well-covered.
I have no real concerns with Skype Me! I have a minor issue with the author's suggestion on p 270 that using a 900 MHz cordless phone is a sign they need to be "upgraded". A 900 MHz cordless phone is a great way to avoid interference in the 2.4 GHz range used by modern wireless networks and newer cordless phones. I would have also liked some expert commentary by a security professional regarding controlling Skype in the enterprise.
Overall I highly recommend Skype Me! I would feel comfortable sharing this book with my parents as a way to encourage them to try Skype. I would also share it with friends who want to tinker at the edges of traditional Skype usage.
The Skype Book Everyone Needs to Read
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10 Mar, 2006Skype Me! is a book that everyone needs to have. It's less technical than Skype Hacks, which makes it more accessible to non-techies. Gough starts off with basic lessons about VoIP, Peer-to-peer technology (as it's used in VoIP), even Skype security. These basics will help anyone who is looking at setting up Skype in their home.
Installation is covered in Chapter 2. Gough gives detailed instructions on testing individual computers setups to make sure that Skype will work properly, and shows how to install Skype on Windows, Pocket PC, Mac OS X, and Linux. Then, in chapter 3, he covers the basics of using Skype.
Gough spends a lot of time on using Skype from Pocket PCs, even Pocket PC cell phones and smart phones. This is something I'd never thought about, honestly - my cell phone bill is pretty small, and we've got a good family plan. I can see where people who use a lot of cell phone minutes each month could save some money.
Skype Me! also goes into detail when it comes to implementing Skype in a business setting. This is one area where I think that Skype is being under-utilized. There's a perception that Skype is for home users, but isn't powerful enough for enterprise use, but it's clear that Skype is a lot more powerful than people think. There's a lot of potential for business use - especially when you look at the call center hack that I mentioned in the review of Skype Hacks.
One disappointment I had with Skype Hacks was that it didn't really talk much about the Skype API. Skype Me! does this in chapter 14, and goes into enough detail that people with a computer background will be able to take advantage of the API in customizing their own installation of Skype. Skype Me! also goes into more detail in discussing the various Skype-enabled devices that are available, or will soon become available. Gough includes mini-reviews of a lot of popular Skype hardware add-ons that will make your Skype experience much more pleasant - and productive.
For new users, Skype Me! is a valuable addition to their library. The fact that Michael Gough is the guy who runs SkypeTips.com and is constantly adding material at that site is just another reason to get this book.
