Everyone knows Skype, the most popular free chat and video chat program among people who use a computer with webcam and microphone. With the right setup, Skype can be a great video conferencing tool for individuals and professionals; however, as with any tool, there are problems that can be avoided by preparing properly.
In this article we will see how to configure and optimize Skype on the PC, how to solve possible problems and with specific suggestions for Skype video calls .
Video chat requires fairly high resources for the computer to function well, not only video memory and CPU power consumption, but also sufficient internet bandwidth.
So before joining a video conference using Skype, you need to make sure that the technical requirements are met.
1) Close programs that consume computer resources
An overload of CPU, but also of RAM memory can slow down Skype causing a delay in communication and interference in the connection.
Closing programs while using Skype decreases the load on the CPU which therefore does not heat up and does not force the fan to run quickly.
This will result in less background noise and better audio quality.
2) Close everything that consumes Internet bandwidth
In this case, to have good communication during video calls with Skype, you need to check that there are no other computers connected to the same network, especially that there are no active downloads and videos streaming from the internet.
If possible and if you are not behind a firewall, go to Tools -> options -> advanced -> connection and put port 50685, clearing ports 80 and 443 to improve connection quality.
3) Once the computer is ready, Skype configuration can be optimized.
You can check whether Skype is working properly from the Heartbeat online service (Skype Status) or by visiting heartbeat.skype.com.
The "heartbeat" page informs you if there are problems with the Skype infrastructure.
4) Adjust the audio settings
In a video conference, it is also important that the audio is received clear.
Then test the microphone and speakers by making a test call on Skype or with a friend.
You can find Skype's audio settings under the menu Tools -> General .
The test call option is free.
If the microphone does not work, select it from the drop-down menu and make sure you have connected it to the right socket (check the speaker and sound configuration in Windows 7).
5) Use a headset or headphones to avoid the Eco effect
Although Skype is extraordinary with echo management, the sound quality will be better if you use a headset or simply with headphones, reducing background noise from the computer and interference.
6) Adjust the webcam or camera
As with the audio settings, you can adjust and optimize the video settings from the menu Tools -> General -> Webcam Settings .
The default settings are pretty good so you don't need to put too much hand in this section.
7) Optimize the light in the room, put it in order and check the angle of the camera .
Light is an important factor during a video call so check that the webcam shot is bright enough.
Ideally, then, you need to orient the webcam so that you can look straight into the lens while talking, giving the interlocutor the sensation of looking him in the eye.
Then remember that the webcam also shows what is behind it then try to find an orientation by covering up any unrest.
Another article lists 15 features and ways to improve Skype using free plugins .
On another page, the link to download the latest version of Skype to call and video call from the computer
