• Skype is a free program that utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP technology, allowing users to engage in audio/video chat over a computer. You can talk to any Skype user, anywhere in the world, at no cost. You can even use Skype to call landlines and cell phones, although a small per-minute fee is charged for these calls. Skype 4.0 was released in February 2009 and has been replaced by newer versions with more features and improved security. However, if your computer does not support the latest version of Skype, you can still download and use Skype 4.0.
  
  

Processor and Operating System

• The Central Processing Unit or CPU is the "brain" of your computer; its speed is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Skype recommends a computer with a processor speed of at least 1 GHz for best audio and video quality. Skype 4.0 supports 32-bit versions of Windows 2000, XP and Vista. It also supports 64-bit XP and Vista.
  
  

Memory and Hard Drive

• Computer memory, or RAM, determines how many programs you can load and run at once on your computer. The more RAM you have, the more efficiently your computer will run multiple programs. The hard drive is your computer's permanent storage device. The amount of data you can save depends on the size of the disk. Both RAM and hard drive capacity are measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB). Skype recommends 256 MB of RAM and 20 MB of free hard disk space.
  
  

Peripherals

• Skype requires that your PC video card be compatible with DirectX 9.0 (this is a programming framework for displaying complex graphics.) In addition, you need a broadband Internet connection, a Webcam, computer speakers and a computer microphone for audio/video calls. You need a keyboard for instant messaging.