Skype

Full review
Skype is a instant messenger with voice and Video Capabilities
This is the line. You can read on other reviews the pro and cons of the Skype approach to the world of instant messagging.

PROS OF SKYPE

Mac Compatibility I own a macbook. At the time I am writing this review the OS X is still limited in terms of interoperability with other operanting system. You can run easily into problems like this:

Microsoft has been doing much to lock out mac users from profiting from the messenger program. It still offers a Messenger without audio and video features!

Linux on the other hand has been treated in much the same respect and also Linuxers neglet developing cross platform programs for the reason they hate Apple and Microsoft altogether.

Skype Closes the gap. Skype runs natively on the Mac and the Windows and the linux stuff. Still the linux version is still lacking the video part but I think this will be fixed in a few months. This is brilliant since using only the mac I would have been limited to text chatting with my friends.

(Alas Yahoo messenger looks like it's capable of running video on MS and OSX but didn't test it)

Skype is the only program committed to serious internet calling. Whereas MS messenger and Yahoo are bent over in selling you pubblicity and turning your chat experience in a massive commercial watching sport skype admittedly makes money reselling the services. It is true that you can buy accessories like ringtones and avatars as well for it but skype does nothing to remember or push this features onto you. Audio quality is the best you can get. The drawback is that you are supposed to have a fast internet connection as a normal phone line with a modem are not enough.

Everything is encrypted Skype encrypts passwords, chats and calls. This is a growing issue specially on public wi-fi hotspots where any linux equipped nerd can be sniffing your conversations.

Video quality is excellent
Best of the class so long. If you are not doing filesharing or using up your ban than skype will do it! Best videochats ever. It will gladly run fullscreen and is the perfect companion of your iSight.

CAVEATS OF SKYPE (Things to be scared of)

The email account!
When you open a skype account be very careful of the first mail address that you are releasing to them, it is gonna be forever. There are reported cases of users forgetting their passwords. The password will be sent only to the first provided email address, and that cannot be changed. This is a horrible issue for the people whose domain is not valid anymore!!! You will lose all your skype contacts and control of your account.

The customer service (Hello... is there anybody out there?)
There is no costumer service, and if there is one it is not easy to reach. There is not a simple way to get in touch with the people at skype. I had a issue once with the skype pro plan and tried to reach someone. The most I could do after spending a lot of time was to fill a web form. No-one contacted me, ever. This was a negative experience.

Misleading advertisements
I got skype pro basically because I wanted to open a free skype in number. Advertising was claiming 30euro off the service. Well it was so but only on multiple purchases! I still had to shell money if I wanted the skype in number! Also the Skype Pro does not allow "Free" calls as you are charged a initial 10 cents per conversation.

Network Hog
This is not for the final user. If you know about network protocols you know already that skype is a bit eager to:

1.Open as many connections as it needs (and it is a insane number)
2.Use as much band as possible
3.Get throught the firewalls any possible way
4.Bring down a consumer NAT in minutes.

That said try to reserve a incoming port for each client (virtual server) so not to wake the beast.

ALTERNATIVES!
There are alternatives that are cheaper than Skype. I know skype can look like a big saver but there is better! Try this website: http://www.voipstunt.com/en/index.html take the free trial and you will be shocked (you don't need to install anything)

Google talk could be a alternative as well but it's lacking video.

If you like this small review please read the others and consider adding me to your web of trust