Skype is an Internet based telephone service that allows users to make free video calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world. Skype users are also able to make low cost international calls to landlines and cellular phones. Other features of Skype include voicemail, text messaging and call forwarding to any phone number. Desktop versions of the Skype application are available for computers running Windows, Linux and Macintosh operating systems.
Step One
Review the system requirements at the Skype for Mac OS X website (see link in Resources) to ensure your computer is capable of running Skype. Download the Macintosh version of the application by clicking the "free to download" link to open the download page and clicking "Download Now." Once the download is complete, open the Downloads folder for your web browser and double click on the "Skype" icon.
Step Two
Install Skype be dragging the "Skype" icon to your Applications folder in the pop-up window. Enter your administrator name and password if prompted, then click "OK."
Step Three
Launch Skype by clicking on the "Skype" icon in the Dock or in the Applications folder. Read the End User License Agreement and accept the terms by clicking "Accept." Create a Skype user account by entering a user name and password in the provided text fields. The user name will be shown to other Skype users when you are using the service.
Step Four
Search for other Skype users by entering their user names in the search box at the top of the Skype application window. Click "Search for Skype Name" from the list of options that appears. Once the contact is located, click "Add contact" to add the user to your Contact List.
Step Five
Make a call by clicking on the green check mark next to a contact's name in your Contact List. The person must be signed into Skype for you to contact them. If a person is not signed in to Skype, a grey "X" will appear next to their name.
Step Six
Call a landline or cellular phone by clicking on the dial pad icon at the bottom left of the Skype application window. Click on "Select Country or Region" and choose the country for the person you are calling. Enter the phone number using the dial pad and place the call by clicking the green telephone icon.